Following the newly launched mobile court in Lagos recently, Oriwu Sun’s investigation reveals the reactions of Ikorodu residents on the need to equally have a mobile court in Ikorodu division in view of the prevailing indiscipline on the part of commercial drivers, Okada riders and other traffic offenders, which has in turn brought a break down of traffic rules and regulations.
In a phone interview with the Assistant Controller of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Ikorodu North, Mr. Oshotimeyin Ayodele, he explained that the authority is already making case for a mobile court in Ikorodu, stating that the intervention of LASTMA, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) to remedy the situation of traffic offences has not been fruitful enough as there are many traffic issues to deal with. In his words:
“Having a mobile court in Ikorodu would introduce a better disciplinary action against traffic offenders. Even the traders who sell on the walk way meant for commuters would all face the music in a mobile court.
“Okada riders, who park at undesignated places, commercial drivers who do not obey traffic lights and zebra crossing as well as Danfo drivers, who pick passengers on the highway, thereby endangering their lives, would all be prosecuted. We call on the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, to help us the increasing population of residents in Ikorodu. A mobile court is needed to control these abnormalities,” he said.
During an interview with Oriwu Sun recently, Ikorodu residents had this to say concerning the setting up of a mobile court win the division.
- OSHOTIMEYIN AYODELE, Assistant Controller, LASTMA: The authority is already agitating for a mobile court in Ikorodu. The intervention of LASTMA, KAI and vehicle inspection officers to remedy the situation of traffic offenders has not been fruitful enough as there are many traffic issues to deal with.
Having a mobile court in Ikorodu would take care of all issues concerning traffic offences and enforce better disciplinary action. Even the traders who sell on walk-ways meant for commuters would be charged to mobile court.
Even Okada riders, who park at undesignated places, commercial drivers, who do not obey traffic light and zebra crossing as well as Danfo drivers, who pick passengers on the high way, thereby endangering lives, would all be punished and prosecuted.
We call on the Lagos State Governor to help us contend with the increasing population in Ikorodu by introducing a mobile court to control the abnormalities.
MRS YEMI ADEBANJO, Ikorodu Resident:
There is little difference in the traffic situation at Ikorodu garage compared to the past. Well, LASTMA, police and VIO are trying but the Danfo drivers are so adamant. They are the major cause of traffic congestion. They disobey traffic rules and traffic lights. The mobile court would be fine and we implore the government to bring it to Ikorodu.
- KALU ODOGWU, Business man resident in Ikorodu:
The traffic at Ikorodu garage is reducing compared to the Sabo Round- about, which is always hectic. We can’t say the LASTMA are not working but all these commercial drivers and Danfo drivers do not obey them. Therefore, mobile court is needed to make them face the court and be persecuted.
- CHIMA, Business man: Although, traffic has reduced, the LASTMA and police are trying but Sabo Round-about is of pot holes, which is contributing to the traffic congestion there. Also, the traffic light in Ikorodu garage is not working well. The mobile court is good and government should expedite action on it.
- ADEYANJU, Civil Servant, Ikorodu Resident: Well, to some extent, LASTMA and police officers are trying but motorists are stubborn. They drive recklessly and sometimes dump damaged vehicles on the road, which cause traffic congestion.
They need to be handled with iron hand and a mobile court can do that. Government should help us in Ikorodu.
A non-resident of Ikeja was arrested on the case of violating the traffic rules by crossing the high way instead of making use of the pedestrian bridge. Mr. Godwin, the traffic offenders who was on a visit to Ikeja, violated the rule unknowingly and was asked to face the warrant.
In his view:
“I was arrested by the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials at Ikeja around 10:30am. We were about fifteen in number and we were all moved to Alausa, where we wrote our statements. After that we were all thoroughly flogged and I thought that was the end.”
“Not long after, we were all taken to the court, where we met the judge and he asked us to sit quietly and he addressed us about the offence we committed and the implications.
“We were asked if we were guilty and we all responded that we were. The judge told us that we would all be punished since we have violated the law. Then, we were asked to pay a fine of five thousand naira (N5,000) or jailed for one month.
“I called my brother, who came to bail me with the amount before I was released. With this experience, I have already learnt my lesson to ask before I act and more so, to obey rules and regulation. I want a mobile court in Ikorodu so as to allow nemesis catch up with all the traffic offenders. It is a welcome idea,” he stated