by Isi Esene

Oh boy, what have y’all done to the stern Governor of Lagos State?

Many commercial motorcyclists have complained over the ban on their operations on major highways in Lagos State but the government is not soft-pedaling (pun intended) on the traffic law as the commissioner of transportation, Kayode Opeifa, has disclosed that as from January 2013, commercial bus drivers and conductors will have to wear uniforms and badges.

He disclosed this during the weekend at a sensitisation programme for transporters on the new road traffic law at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos.

He said the government’s intention is to bring sanity to Lagos roads so that transport operators in the state can develop pride in their jobs. The commissioner appealed to commercial bus drivers to desist from attacking BRT buses.

While speaking on the occasion, the attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Ade Ipaye reportedly insisted that the new traffic law is not a tool for revenue generation but as a means to protect the interest of the citizens.

He stated that the penalties for road traffic offences were to serve as a deterrent to road traffic offenders thereby guaranteeing safety on the roads.

The commissioner informed the transport operators who feel wrongly treated by traffic management officials to report such incidents to the relevant authorities or seek redress in court.

Commissioner for information and strategy, Lateef Ibirogba urged them to first comply with the law, insisting that in any civilized society there must be rules and regulations which must be obeyed for there to be peace and order.

The new traffic law continues to get more interesting by the day.