The Lagos State Traffic Management Authourity (LASTMA) has debunked reports circulating online that it plans to lay-off over 1000 of its operatives.
The traffic enforcement agency stated that the allegations hold no water and should be disregarded as mere fake news.
The agency revealed this through a statement released on Saturday by LASTMA Asst. Director, Public Affairs, Filade Olumide.
The statement read:
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authourity (LASTMA) has refuted an unconfirmed and unsubstantiated online story titled “LASTMA moves to clean its Acts…Axe Dangles on over 1000 operatives”.
“LASTMA Comptroller, Bolaji Oreagba, presently the acting general manager of LASTMA has denied any contact with the publisher of the online news. He further stated that no such news emanated from him or any of his official sources and wonders where the publisher sourced the news.
“Oreagba further advised the media to always confirm news from credible sources that can be quoted and not publish news that can be discredited or considered fake. This could lead to genuineness, credibility and trust issues of the media with the members of the public.
“He noted that the extant laws of the Lagos State Civil Service rules and regulations still exist to deal with any misdemeanor by any LASTMA officer found wanting in the discharge of his or her duties. Whilst also noting that once you are offered employment by the state government, it ceases to matter, whoever or however you came into the service, therefore you are henceforth guided by the civil service rules.
“Oreagba also noted that it is only the Head and appointed spokespersons for the Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals that can provide credible sources of information to the media and general public, while he stressed that any officer caught in divulging unconfirmed information shall surely face the music in accordance to the civil service rules. He therefore advised that the media practice good, balanced and unbiased journalism.
