…Threatens To Arrest, Prosecute Offenders
By Rasaq Adebayo
The management of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has declared the use of LASTMA uniforms, kits and other accoutrements by film and skit makers illegal.
In a statement by Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, the agency frowned at the demeaning manner in which movie and skit makers portray LASTMA in their movies and skits, using its uniform without recourse to the Section 79 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 which criminalises such unauthorised use.
Adebayo said the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, who was not happy with the development, strongly warned those involved in the act after seeing a fully kitted actress with LASTMA uniform in one of the Yoruba film titled ‘Gbogbo Lowo’ and other skits movies on different social media.
Oreagba said as quoted by Adebayo: “Film or skit makers who portray as LASTMA officer without applying for, and being duly issued a permit letter for such portrayals, to desist with immediate effect or face the full wrath of the Law.”
He said such sanity in movies production, regulation of possession and usage of LASTMA uniform will surely curb proliferation of the kits, uniforms and accoutrements in the society.
“We implore National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTA) and other affliated bodies to warn their members as anyone caught using Lastma Uniform without an approved permit would be prosecuted,” he said.
