Parking policy for traffic management, not revenue generation - LASG  – Newstrends
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Parking policy for traffic management, not revenue generation – LASG 

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Lagos State Government has clarified that its just introduced parking policy is a measure to address gridlocks, reduce travel time and increase lifespan of roads across the state.

It said the arrangement was neither for witch hunting nor revenue generation.

It said that the policy was to ensure that people stop parking indiscriminately on setbacks and those using the portion of the road for commercial purposes, thereby putting pressure on the road facility as well as inflicting pains on other users do not engage in such without any check.

According to the government, the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) was created to find lasting solutions to the issues of illegal parking that had limited motorists to opportunity to commute freely across the state.

The clarification was made during a joint press briefing in Ikeja on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, his Information and Strategy counterpart, Gbenga Omotoso, as well as the General Manager for LASPA, Adebisi Adelabu.

He added that with legal operation of LASPA, it would aid prompt reduction of traffic gridlock experienced by everyone, appealing to residents for cooperation with the agency on the agenda to remove some of the impediments on roads.

Oladeinde said, “As it is usually the case, especially in a political season, political jobbers and people with limited knowledge on the constitutional mandates of LASPA have tried fruitlessly to exaggerate the issue by playing to the gallery.

“LASPA was created to find lasting solutions to the issues of indiscriminate and illegal parking across the state. This will aid prompt reduction of traffic gridlock experienced by everyone. We, thus, enjoin Lagosians to cooperate with the agency and other similar stakeholders in carrying out its laudable mandate.

“The agency was established, among others, to promote parking policies tailored to suit the peculiarity of the State in line with modern international standards towards achieving a smart city.

” LASPA is also empowered to remove all impediments arising from indiscriminate parking on carriageways, thereby increasing the carriageway capacity on the roads, improving the flow of traffic and reducing travel time.

“First on our mandate is to improve the parking culture. We also believe that the establishment of the Authority also enables employment opportunities for the youths. In doing so, it is expected that revenue generation will come naturally.

“We have the mandate to charge fees on private commercial parks, non-commercial parks and other parking lots on any facility provided by the Authority.

“Let me emphasize that most private commercial parks charge the Lagosians between N500 to N1,000 parking dues per hour and each person parking at these respective parks can have four stops over which sums up to N2,000 or N4,000 daily.

“At the end of the year, the commercial park owner will realize over N182,500 or N365,000 if charges is per hour or gain a total N730,000 or N1,460,000 for 4 stopovers. This is the price most Lagosians pay to commercial park owners.

The Commissioner however stated, “LASPA levy of N80,000 divided by the No of days in a year result to N219 only against the above charges of commercial park owners. The difference is clear as the government is quite considerate and responsive in making the environment conducive for all.

“It is important to restate that, being a government that respects the constitution as the sole source of its engagement with the public, the State Government will never resort to any unconstitutional means in its dealing with the people.”

The LASPA boss explained that the agency’s mandate was not to make money from the people rather ensure that the state become more liveable for all irrespective of their status in Lagos.

Adelabu added that through the agency, the unemployment ratio in the state would reduce drastically as many would be for some of the parking services that would be going on afterwards in Lagos.

She noted that the manner of indiscriminate parking was not only unfair to the government but also to Lagosians that needed to use the road whenever they are blocked by motorists.

“We have being engaging owners of event centres, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim association on the need to have parking space for their members and not park on the road, disturbing other road users in the state. We believe that if you want to build a mega church, you provide mega parking space.

“It is not solely about to make money, we are solving problems. We are not trying to take away commercial parks but if you are getting into the business, the State needs to regulate. It is important to have you on our database.”

“If you are making space for parking outside your title, you will need a permit. As long as you are using government setbacks, you still need a permit. This is because government may decide, in the future to use the setbacks for something else,” she added.

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Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities

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Governor Ademola Adeleke

Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities

In response to the resurgence of hostilities between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed curfew on Ifon and Ilobu communities in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas, respectively.

Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, announced the new directive in a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday, emphasizing the government’s determination to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

“Following a resurgence of the crisis between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, in a move to curb its further spread, has announced a new curfew time frame from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until lasting peace is restored,” he said.

Expressing deep concern over the renewed violence, the governor condemned the fresh outbreak of communal clashes.

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“Gov. Ademola expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon.

“To this end, the governor has directed that the initial 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew on the communities now be extended to 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., effective today, Friday, March 21, until further notice,” Alimi stated.

The commissioner further revealed that a joint security team, comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence, had been instructed to sustain 24-hour surveillance in the affected areas to uphold law and order.

“In addition, the governor directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict,” he added.

Governor Adeleke called on residents, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders to embrace peace.

Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities

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BREAKING: IGP redeploys 38 police commissioners

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Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun

BREAKING: IGP redeploys 38 police commissioners

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting of 38 Commissioners of Police to various State Commands and Police Formations.

The deployment comprises 9 commissioners of police to key state commands and an additional 29 CPs to various police formations across the country.

A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, said the commissioners of Police deployed to state commands include CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba to Zamfara State, CP Bretet Emmanuel Simon to Taraba State, CP Christopher Ado Emmanuel to Yobe State, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin to Cross-River State, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman to Niger State, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu to Bauchi State, CP Bello Shehu to Katsina State, CP Saka Adewale Ajao as Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and CP Ojo Adekimi to Kwara State.

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“In addition to these State Command appointments, the deployment also includes the posting of 29 CPs to various police formations as part of a broader effort to address rising security challenges and ensure effective policing that is responsive to community needs. Each CP will be tasked with implementing tailored strategies that reflect the unique requirements of their respective formations, ensuring that policing is both proactive and effective.

“The IGP charges the newly deployed CPs to prioritize their responsibilities in curbing insecurity and misconduct, reinforcing the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold law and order through robust intelligence-led policing. This deployment reflects the dedication of the new Police leadership to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force is well-equipped to address the challenges of maintaining peace and security in the country,” the statement said.

 

BREAKING: IGP redeploys 38 police commissioners

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Nnamdi Kanu returns to court, apologises over attacks on judge, others

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Nnamdi Kanu returns to court, apologises over attacks on judge, others

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja for the latest hearing in his ongoing trial for alleged treason. This session marked a transition in the case, with Justice James Omotosho now overseeing proceedings.

Additionally, Kanu’s defense team saw a leadership change, with senior lawyer Kanu Agabi (SAN) stepping in as the new lead counsel, while the prosecution remains led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).

At the outset of the hearing, Agabi requested permission to address the court, where he extended an apology on behalf of his client. He acknowledged past tensions, emphasizing that it was necessary to offer regrets to Justice Binta Nyako, the prosecution team, and Kanu’s own legal representatives.

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He noted that Kanu had harbored anger for an extended period and admitted that criticisms directed at Justice Nyako had been unwarranted. The defense counsel also apologized to the prosecution team, led by Awomolo, as well as to the chairman of the Body of Benchers, acknowledging their respected positions.

Describing Kanu as a good man, Agabi stressed the importance of allowing room for human error, urging that efforts should be focused on resolution rather than conflict.

In response, the prosecution accepted the apology and assured that efforts would be made to expedite the trial. Awomolo acknowledged the complexities and emotions surrounding the case, recognizing the pressures involved.

Justice Omotosho also weighed in, remarking on the toll the lengthy legal battle may have taken on Kanu. He pointed out that Kanu, who was 47 when the trial began in 2015, is now 57 and remains uncertain about his future. The judge suggested that the prolonged nature of the case could have contributed to some of Kanu’s previous remarks.

Additionally, Justice Omotosho extended an apology to the prosecution on Kanu’s behalf.

 

Nnamdi Kanu returns to court, apologises over attacks on judge, others

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