Lagos assembly wants Ambode to punish BRT lane violators

The Lagos state house of assembly Tuesday passed a resolution, urging Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to direct appropriate agencies to checkmate recurrent violation of traffic laws on Bus Rapid Transit, BRT corridors.

The assembly also called on security agencies to ensure total enforcement of traffic laws to enhance free flow of traffic.

This resolution followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Sanai Agunbiade and seconded by Mr Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe I.

Agunbiade commended state government on the huge investment along Ikorodu/Mile 12 axis which according to him, has provided opportunity for the expansion of the BRT lane. But, lamented that, Okada riders are posing serious threat on the corridor of the BRT.

The majority leader disclosed that the BRT bus he boarded from Ikorodu to Ketu yesterday hit a motorcycle rider plying the dedicated BRT lane. The Okada rider veered in front of the BRT bus and was knocked down.

Contributing, Mr Segun Olulade, APC-Epe II said, “It has been allegedly reported that Police officers collect money from Okada riders which give them courage to ply the BRT lane without being challenged.”

Mr Tunde Braimoh, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy added that, traffic congestion and security are interwoven in the state, adding that, armed robbers make use of the avenue to unleash havoc on people.

Braimoh, who commended the governor’s investment in procurement of security equipment called for adequate deployment to combat lawlessness and impunity.

According to him, the equipment must not left unused in the stations but rather be deployed for patrol, “he said.

Also speaking, Mr Nurudeen Solaja-Saka said, commercial buses also ply the BRT corridor too. The law enforcement agencies should not only concentrate on Ikorodu road but also need to enforce the traffic law all over the state,” he said.

The governor should clamp down on the violators of traffic offenders and make sure that BRT corridors served the purpose they were designated for.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa approved the resolution after a voice vote on the motion.