As written by investigative journalist, ‘Fisayo Soyombo…
After the police, if there is any state institution in Lagos with the potential to someday trigger a largescale protest, it is LASTMA — the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
The impunity with which its officials conduct their business is mind-boggling. They seem to be getting away with it because a chunk of its victims are car owners, the middle class, who can afford to pay a handsome illegal fine yet look the other way. But this won’t be forever.
Two days ago, someone’s car ran out of fuel along Airport road in Oshodi and while his mechanic hopped to the nearest filling station to buy fuel with a keg, LASTMA officials towed the car away.
They’re demanding N60,000.
This is Day 3 and the victim hasn’t been able to raise it. He is crestfallen. This is money he honestly doesn’t have. This is someone trying to eke out a living via honest means but hasn’t quite struck it. It’s not a crime to not be able to fill up your car tank at once, I would guess.
There’s hardly a week when I personally don’t receive at least three public complaints against LASTMA.
Lagosians are watching and someday pent-up anger will be let out. The luxury of state backing is no reason for LASTMA to oppress citizens and do it so brazenly.
No lawlessness exists forever without sometime spiraling into anarchy.
Someday the people will rise against LASTMA if this helplessness continues, if LASTMA does not amend its ways.
