The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) yesterday debunked media reports that its officers impounded a vehicle belonging to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
An online agency and a national daily had report ed yesterday that about 10 LAGBUS vehicles belonging to the Lagos State government were impounded in Ota, Ogun State and packed in Obasanjo Farms in retaliation for the confiscation of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) belonging to the farms by officials of LASTMA for contravening the state’s traffic law, last Friday.
Speaking with National Mirror yesterday, LASTMA General Manager, Babatunde Edu, said there was no record of seizure of any vehicle belonging to the former president or his farm. He therefore described the report as unfounded and warned the public against disseminating falsehood.
He said: “We don’t have record of impoundment of Obasanjo’s vehicle at all. None of the vehicles arrested is branded Obasanjo Farms. Most of the arrested vehicles have registration numbers and we don’t have anyone belonging to the former president.”
Also disclaiming the report, the Chief of Staff to Obasanjo, Deacon Victor Durodola, told National Mirror in a telephone interview last night that there was no truth in the reports.
His words: “The news is a blatant lie. It was the figment of the imagination of the writers and definitely it is something intended to malign and embarrass President Obasanjo because none of our vehicles, not even a bicycle had any problem with LASTMA.
“They said we impounded LAGBUS vehicles in Ota Farm, I don’t know where the story emanated from. People can go to Ota Farm and see things for themselves; there is no Lagos State bus in the premises.
“Is it possible for Lagos State not to know that 10 buses were impounded somewhere? I read the story in a national daily and I was told that some other newspapers carried it. I called the newspaper’s office and challenged them to provide whatever evidence they have. I challenged them on what they published about Obasanjo which has no foundation and they were apologetic.”
Durodola added that they are likely to take a legal action over the matter, saying: “We are going to sue any medium that published that report because they have to prove it. It is a total fabrication. It is a pepper soup joint report.”
Another aide of the former president also denied any contact between Obasanjo and Lagos State officials.