Traffic offenders are a menace on Lagos roads, oftentimes ignoring traffic rules at the detriment of other road users. Mostly, the offenders are okada riders and commercial bus drivers; sometimes even individuals, who should obviously know better, opt for the dare devil disregard of these laws as well.

However, as we all know, everyday for the thief and one day for the owner, which is why 37 traffic offenders were apprehended and sentenced to 25- 100 hours of community service, forfeiture of their vehicles to Lagos state government and about N15,000 to N20,000 fine.

But, now I’ve got questions:

  • What kind of community service will they be doing exactly?
  • Do we actually HAVE community service in Nigeria?
  • Will they sweep the streets or clear drainages? Ha, inside this rain and flood, hope water no go carry them go o.
  • It’s been speculated that they might take care of the elderlies. But, how will this be done? Where are the elders, which elders? Will they wash their clothes, bathe them, or what?

Considering that the last time such occured, the offenders were just told to clear bushes and waste in areas at Alausa and that was that, is community service an effective punishment that will actually curb further traffic offences? Because we all know that these Lagos danfo drivers and okada riders ti ya weyrey gan o.

>

OUR MISSION

Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.