FEDERAL TASK FORCE MUST LEAVE LAGOS ROADS

5^th November, 2014

PRESS RELEASE:

FEDERAL TASK FORCE MUST LEAVE LAGOS ROADS

Men of the SURE-P Federal Task Force who are linked to Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) allegedly chased away the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) from so called Federal roads yesterday, causing chaos and pandemonium.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is shocked by this shameless display of possessiveness. When did FERMA and SURE-P suddenly realize that traffic should be maintained on ‘Federal’ roads in Lagos?

Lagosians are aware of the antics of wolves in sheep clothing. The Federal Government (FG) which had abandoned Lagos to its fate for so long is suddenly showing interest. We are aware of wonders like this particularly when the election is so close. We are also aware that Lagos State is the beautiful bride whom FG wants at all cost.

The only agencies recognised by law to manage traffic in the state are the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC, for federal roads) and the State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

By the way, what is this blind impunity and arrogance of power all about? Are the so called ‘Federal’ roads not situated in Lagos State? Is it the people of Abuja who are plying the roads? Are the real users not Lagosians? How then can you exclude the Lagos State Government and its legally constituted agencies from ensuring free flow of traffic on them? Must FG politicize everything, including the free flow of traffic?

MURIC puts it to FG that men of the Federal Task Force are therefore parasites on Lagos roads. They are nothing but cancerous tumours on the anatomy of Lagos transport system and an unnecessary and wasteful duplication of the traffic system. We have every reason to believe that the main purpose for their presence on Lagos roads is to cause confusion.

LASTMA and FRSC have been performing well and Lagosians appreciate their efforts. Lagos does not need confusionists calling themselves Federal Task Force. With the FG-controlled police, the army and the civil defence, what does FG need a takt force for in a state? Yesterday’s show of shame must be the last from these reactionary agents. We warn the Federal Task Force not to try the patience of Lagosians.

Finally, MURIC urges the Lagos State Commisioner of Police to tutor his men. Anyone who chases LASTMA officials from Lagos roads is not only endangering the lives of Lagosians but also sending an invitation to anarchy.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)