L
LequteMan
Guest
Apparently Lagos state governor, Akinwumi Ambode, isn't doing a good job of governing the state. The Economist believes so.
In an online publication, The Economist faulted Ambode's alleged inability to tackle the traffic situation in the state.
It says traffic is bad in Lagos and safety concerns are mounting as armed robbers pillage stuck cars while police are far away.
"Security experts reckon this is symptomatic of a broader increase in organised crime under a new and less competent state government," it said.
"Lagos is a hub for investors in Africa—it is a bigger economy in its own right than most countries on the continent, so this is of serious concern.
"The state’s former governor, Babatunde Fashola, who left office after elections in March, was lauded for improving traffic and security. He curbed dangerous motorbike taxis and brought local “area boys” (street children), under control. Cars were terrified into order by a state traffic agency, LASTMA, whose bribe-hungry officers flagged down offending drivers.
"His successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, is full of excuses, but few solutions, for the worsening gridlock. Traffic is always bad during the rains, he says. Nigerians are migrating to Lagos en masse in search of work in a worsening economy, his office adds.
"Yet the root of the problem is in policy: Mr Ambode cut the powers of traffic controllers by banning them from impounding cars. In retaliation, officers have refused to enforce the rules.
In an online publication, The Economist faulted Ambode's alleged inability to tackle the traffic situation in the state.
It says traffic is bad in Lagos and safety concerns are mounting as armed robbers pillage stuck cars while police are far away.
"Security experts reckon this is symptomatic of a broader increase in organised crime under a new and less competent state government," it said.
"Lagos is a hub for investors in Africa—it is a bigger economy in its own right than most countries on the continent, so this is of serious concern.
"The state’s former governor, Babatunde Fashola, who left office after elections in March, was lauded for improving traffic and security. He curbed dangerous motorbike taxis and brought local “area boys” (street children), under control. Cars were terrified into order by a state traffic agency, LASTMA, whose bribe-hungry officers flagged down offending drivers.
"His successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, is full of excuses, but few solutions, for the worsening gridlock. Traffic is always bad during the rains, he says. Nigerians are migrating to Lagos en masse in search of work in a worsening economy, his office adds.
"Yet the root of the problem is in policy: Mr Ambode cut the powers of traffic controllers by banning them from impounding cars. In retaliation, officers have refused to enforce the rules.
