As political campaigns gather momentum in Ogun State, the state Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, has warned politicians and their supporters to stop the unwholesome conduct of blocking the roads and flagrant disregard for traffic rules and regulations.
TRACE Commander/Chief Executive, Cdr ‘Seni Ogunyem, gave this warning on Wednesday in Abeokuta in a statement signed by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Cdr. Babatunde Akinbiyi.
Cdr. Ogunyemi said the agency would not fold its arms and watch politicians and their supporters in Abeokuta and other parts of the state make Ogun 12 major traffic corridors impassable by obstructing vehicular movement during their campaigns and rallies, thereby making life unbearable and difficult for other road users and motorists.
Ogunyemi noted that this has become necessary as some political parties have been observed to flagrantly beat functional traffic lights during movement and use unauthorised number plates, as if they are above the law.
The TRACE boss added that “we cannot continue to act as if there are no traffic and extant laws which guide the movement and conduct of traffic and motorists on Ogun 12 major traffic corridors.
In his words,”This is unacceptable and any vehicle of any political party caught in this disruptive and shameful act will not only be impounded but prosecuted in the law court.”
Ogunyemi stated further that the agency would inaugurate a monitoring squad to monitor and mitigate the effects of political activities on free flow of vehicular movement across the state as electioneering begin to gather momentum.
The TRACE helmsman also advised political parties to liaise with the agency in order to ensure free flow of traffic before, during and after any political gathering that could impede and hinder free flow of human and vehicular movement in the state.
In addition, the statement charge TRACE operatives to be neutral and apolitical in the discharge of their duties during this period as anyone found wanting in this regard will be punished accordingly.
