12th May, 2024
By Paul Iyoghojie
Motorists and commuters plying Lagos roads have praised the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Sola Giwa and the General Manager of the Lagos State Trafic Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr Bakare Oki Olalekan for their uncommon courage in dislodging illegal motor parks operating atop bridges, highways and major bus stops in Lagos metropolis to ensure free flow of traffic in the State.
Some of those who spoke with P.M.NEWS said they were still wondering how the two leaders were able to dislodge the recalcitrant commercial motorists operating on top of CMS, Idumota, Obalende, Apogbon, Oshodi bridges and major bus stops within a short time of assuming office which other sister security operatives have battled for years to achieve without success.
They urged Mr Sola Giwa and Bakare Oki not to relent but to ensure the dislodged motorists didn’t return to the bridges to cause accidents and traffic gridlock in the areas.
The motorists also appealed to Mr Giwa and Oki to as a matter of urgency extend their operations to Constain bus stop and the roundabout, saying the way the once beautiful Constain roundabout had been turned into a motor park is an eyesore as it did not befit the status of Lagos State as the Centre of Excellence and a mega city.
According to Mr Elijah Obioma, a driver, “I thanked Mr Sola Giwa and Bakare Oki for doing what others could not do for years in Lagos State, for having the courage to dislodge illegal motor parks at CMS, Obalende, Apongbon bridges and other roundabouts in the area which had been obstructing the free movement of petrol tankers and BRT buses on top the Obalende bridge and causing gridlock on the highway and other areas.
“I pray to Almighty God to give Giwa and Oki the strength and sound health to keep the good work going.”
Mr John Omenai, also a driver said, “My happiness is that Mr Sola Giwa and Bakare Oki have succeeded in changing the negative mindsets of motorists about the ability of Lastma officials to do the right thing with the unprecedented achievements of Mr Giwa and Oki in Lastma operations and transportation in Lagos State within a short time of assuming office as traffic is now moving freely on CMS, Apongbon Bridge and at Obalende under the bridge unlike before.
“I also thank Gov. Mr Babatunde Sanwo-Olu and the two leaders for retraining 500 Lastma officers saying the Lastma training has greatly reduced the usual noise about Lastma extortions, Illegal arrests and other excesses.
“I am now appealing to motorists operating in Lagos metropolis to continue to obey traffic rules and report any complaints to Mr Giwa and Lastma boss, Bakare Oki for prompt action because they are doing a good job to ensure free flow traffic in Lagos metropolis at all time.
Other drivers who spoke glowing about the good job Mr Giwa and Bakare are doing in the transportation sector of Lagos include Mr Kingsly Obiabuchi and Oke Okechukwu.