13th September, 2011
The Lagos State Government has sacked at least 90 officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, brigade over cases of stealing, extortion and other unscrupulous activities.
Other offences committed by the sacked KAI officers are truancy, absenteeism, assault, and obtaining money under false pretences.
Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello said the sack of the corrupt KAI officers was part of the move to reposition the brigade to meet the daily environmental challenges confronting Lagos as Africa’s model mega city.
He said the government was determined to face the growing challenges of the environment, which was the reason why it embarked on a complete re-orientation and capacity building programmes to strengthen the men and officers of the brigade so as to meet the zero tolerance target of the ministry.
“This action is part of the ministry’s efforts to make the brigade to be more efficient and proactive,†he said.
Bello stated that the ministry was determined to reinvigorate the KAI squad so that the officers could perform better and become a worthy watchdog of the environment in Lagos State.
The commissioner added that the government would not relent in its effort to rid the state of all environment nuisances.
The Lagos State Government at the weekend demolished illegal structures at Yaba in a renewed bid to rid the place of miscreants and give the environment a new look.
Officials of KAI also demolished make-shift kiosks in Yaba area of Lagos in a bid to sanitise the environment and prevent flooding.
The demolition exercise began early on Monday with caterpillars pulling down shanties in an operation led by the Director of the Department of Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance (DME), Mr. Toyin Onisarutu assisted by KAI Marshal General, Captain Danjuma Maigeri (retd) and other KAI Commanders.
The demolition started from the Link Road to Murtala Mohammed Road to Ojuelegba Road intersection and rail tracks.
According to Bello, the exercise was part of the efforts of the current administration to make the city environmentally friendly to all residents as well as visitors.
The commissioner stated that the exercise was also meant to allow the free flow of traffic, explaining that touts often use the illegal structures to unleash terror on innocent law-abiding citizens in the areas.
—Kazeem Ugbodaga