Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu effecting the arrest of some okada riders for violating traffic laws was in order, but what if he was not at the location at the time of the offence?

Development Diaries reports that upon sighting the Lagos State governor’s convoy on Tuesday, 02 January, lawless okada riders plying a ‘one-way’ (driving against traffic) on the Lagos-Badagry expressway abandoned their motorcycles and fled like Usain Bolt.

It is understood that one of the perpetrators, who identified himself as a soldier, was taken into custody.

“I’m a soldier.”

Gov. Sanwo-Olu: “More reason, I will lock you up.”#ChannelsTVNews #TrendingVideo pic.twitter.com/JYtP1kEQkS

— Channels Television (@channelstv) January 2, 2024

Driving against traffic in Lagos State is a violation that carries a forfeiture penalty.

Constant violation of traffic laws by road users is not a new occurrence on Nigerian roads, and this stems from a lack of respect for authority or a belief that the rules do not apply to them.

Yes, this is a case of indiscipline on the part of the riders, but the governor should not be the one to enforce this law if the agency set up for this purpose is efficient.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was set up to promote a state-wide culture of traffic regulation, control, and management, as well as to ensure smooth traffic flow on Lagos roads.

The Lagos State governor should be more concerned about how the agency(ies) set up for this purpose can efficiently deal with traffic offenders and enforce traffic regulations.

The state government should work on increasing law enforcement efforts to apprehend and penalise offenders. This includes deploying traffic police officers to monitor and control traffic, particularly in areas prone to violations.

Furthermore, the agencies responsible for law enforcement should endeavour to launch campaigns to educate the public about traffic laws, the consequences of violations, and the importance of road safety.

Other initiatives, like the use of technology for monitoring and enforcement, can be deployed. This may include the use of traffic cameras, speed cameras, and other automated systems to detect and penalise traffic offenders.

Development Diaries calls on LASTMA to work on reviewing and enhancing penalties, increasing fines, and imposing licence suspensions for repeated violations or traffic law offenses to deter potential violators.