IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Olajide Adediran, and his running mate, Funke Akindele, have visited the homes of two owners of the recently auctioned vehicles in Lagos.
On 15 September, vehicles forfeited to the Lagos state government over traffic violations were auctioned.
At the auction of theforfeited and abandoned vehicles that took place on Thursday at the task force yard in Ikeja, bidders stormed the venue to register, inspect, and bid for different vehicles, including mini buses and cars.
The venue, had participants bid for vehicles as traffic offenders turned it into an arena of tears and sympathy as they faced the reality of permanently losing their vehicles.
Reacting to this development, Jandor visited the homes of Lateef Kolapo and Osinachi Ndukwe, both drivers whose vehicles were up for auction on Thursday.
According to a statement signed by Gbenga Ogunleye, media aide of the PDP candidate and his running mate visited Ndukwe who had been imprisoned for driving against traffic, lost his daughter and now his vehicle. Lateef Kolapo, who the candidate also visited claimed that the vehicle had been driven by someone else.
“Lateef Kolapo claimed that his vehicle was driven by his mechanic while he was ill and hospitalized.
Osinachi Ndukwe said he was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment for driving against the traffic and the vehicle was impounded,” the statement reads.
After serving the jail term, his bus was auctioned and his means of survival gone.”
Adediran condemned the Lagos government for the harsh punishment against traffic offenders.
He said though traffic violations will not be condoned if voted as governor, he will ensure the review of laws which enable the forfeiture of vehicles as punishment for traffic offences.
“JANDOR commiserated with Osinachi for his loss but kicked against reckless driving and violation of traffic laws. He however condemned the State government for the harsh punishment of taking the offenders’ means of livelihood,” the statement reads.
“The People’s Governor assured the residents of the state that violation of traffic laws will also not be condoned when he emerges as the governor of the state in the 2023 guber election but any legislation that takes away means of livelihood of the offenders will be reviewed.”