TheCable

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, has granted clemency to some traffic offenders by reducing their fines.

Sanwo-Olu took the action during an unscheduled visit to the holding facility of the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday.

According to a statement by Gboyega Akosile, chief press secretary to the governor, Sanwo-Olu visited the taskforce office for an assessment of the operational activities.

The governor was said to have met some traffic offenders who were waiting to be arraigned in a mobile court for various traffic offences.

They reportedly pleaded with Sanwo-Olu to intervene while admitting to committing the offences for which their vehicles were seized.

In response, Sanwo-Olu said their explanations were inexcusable and reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance for traffic offences.

The governor said it would be out of place to make the offenders escape penalties stipulated for their offences.

“You all (offenders) have admitted to flouting traffic regulations and you are here because you don’t want to be arraigned for your offences in our mobile court,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“I have requested for the list of all vehicles in this facility and I will be meeting with the Taskforce officers on it. We will still get judgement on your offences but we will grant you the opportunity for a reduction in the fines to be paid.

“If I give you this opportunity, you must not be caught again for flouting the traffic rules. The laws are there and no one is above the law.

“I will intervene to reduce the fines for you and you must be remorseful. Anyone caught again would have his vehicle completely impounded. You must be law-abiding and respect the lives of our fellow citizens.”