The Lagos State Government says it has commenced the release of impounded vehicles to their owners without payment of fines. The Transportation Commissioner Dr. Frederick Olanseinde, stated this yesterday, Tuesday in Lagos.
Oladeinde said the exercise commenced last Saturday and is still ongoing, noting that the state government made the decision as a measure to ease the cash crunch on its citizens as a result of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s naira redesign policy.
However, many observes have concluded that the gesture by the state government may not be unconnected to the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in the country.
The commissioner noted that vehicles that were impounded for minor traffic offences would be released to their owners and fines waived.
According to him, “There are some people that committed offences during that period and we understand the fact that money wasn’t easy to come by.
“Looking at the governor’s magnanimity, the governor has deemed it fit to ensure that people who committed crimes within that period and wanted to pay or couldn’t pay as a result of the shortage of cash, should come and pick up their cars and he has waived the fines.
“Mind you, that does not include major crimes committed. These are just minor traffic offences that have been committed in Lagos and this is showing empathy and trying to understand that look, we understand how difficult it has been and it is not a reason for us to stop you from making ends meet and so hence the governor’s magnanimity.”
