Truck drivers that ply the Oshodi-Apapa expressway have had it with security personnel that extorts money from them.
Several petitions have gone against operatives of the Lagos State agency (LASTMA), drafted in the state traffic committee.
Despite this, they were seen yesterday, obstructing traffic along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, leading to traffic jams around Mile-2 area of the axis which is as a result of them extorting truck drivers.
Just last week, truck drivers stormed this same expressway in protest against extortion by security personnel, blocking the highway to other motorists.
Some motorists and commuters along the axis have also expressed concern over the failure of the state government to call these misbehaving officers to order.
The original reason why this state traffic management committee was set up by Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu, was to restore sanity to the persistent traffic jam which had defied all solutions previously tried out in Apapa and environs.
All efforts to reach Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka (Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation) has been abortive as he did not respond to his calls.
Some motorists mentioned that they had initially enjoyed relative order in the axis for a few weeks however due to extortion and activities by the security personnel and LASTMA of the traffic committee, traffic jam has been the order of the day subjecting motorists to untold hardship as they are stuck in traffic for several hours.
A motorist, Mr. Taiwo Shoboye, while narrating his experience, called on the state government to disband the current traffic committee and replace it with a more reliable squad in the interest of the public.
“Today (Tuesday), I saw a police officer of the traffic committee collecting bribe from a trucker while we (motorists) were stranded in the gridlock at Fatgbems area, inward Mile 2, Oto Wharf.
“These people will never change. I think Governor Sanwo-Olu if he really means well for residents should disband this committee and replace it with another squad who is ready to do the job accordingly. We are tired. Enough is enough.”
Another motorist, Mr. Anthony Chukwuma speaking with concern said: “This security personnel is the major problem to the Apapa gridlock. They are enmeshed in corruption and would not let go. If the state government has the will power they know what to do with these erring officers.”
When those who are meant to ensure that life is easier are the ones trying so hard to make things difficult what becomes of us?
