Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to deepening a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership with the media, while issuing a firm caution against the propagation of defamatory, unsubstantiated and potentially misleading reports capable of eroding public confidence in government institutions.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known in the wake of the findings of an investigative panel constituted to meticulously examine allegations published by an online platform, which accused operatives of the Authority of extorting the sum of N100,000 from commercial bus operators along the Coastal Road corridor.
Elucidating the outcome of the inquiry, Bakare-Oki disclosed that the panelās findings unequivocally established that the vehicles in question were apprehended for wilful obstruction, in contravention of extant traffic regulations. He further affirmed that all penalties imposed were legitimately remitted into government coffers, with incontrovertible evidence of payment tendered by the affected drivers during their appearances before the panel. These findings, he emphasised, decisively debunk the allegations of extortion.
The General Manager underscored the pivotal role of the media in advancing public enlightenment, reinforcing traffic discipline and promoting civic responsibility, describing the press as an indispensable institution in shaping informed public discourse and sustaining democratic ideals.
He, however, stressed that such a critical mandate must be discharged with the utmost professionalism, accuracy and strict adherence to established ethical standards. While acknowledging the legitimacy of constructive criticism within a democratic framework, Bakare-Oki cautioned that the dissemination of unverified claims and sensational narratives constitutes a grave threat to institutional credibility and public trust.
He therefore enjoined media organisations to accord primacy to rigorous fact-checking and due diligence prior to publication, so as to avert the dissemination of misleading information and preserve the integrity of public communication.
Reaffirming LASTMAās openness to sustained engagement, the General Manager assured that the Authority remains transparent, accessible and responsive through its official communication channels for prompt verification and clarification. He also highlighted the availability of a toll-free hotline (080000527862) alongside a dedicated Physical Complaints Unit (PCU), through which members of the public can lodge complaints, seek clarification and verify incidents.
The Authority called on relevant media stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the journalism profession by ensuring accuracy, balance and responsibility in reportage, thereby safeguarding the public space from misinformation and preserving societal trust.
