Olajide Adediran, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Funke Akindele, his running mate, visited the homes of two owners of the recently auctioned vehicles in Lagos.
On September 15, vehicles forfeited to the Lagos state government over traffic violations were auctioned.
At the event, traffic offenders broke down in tears as their vehicles were auctioned.
Reacting to this development, the PDP candidate 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, Ndukwe, who drove against traffic was arrested, and imprisoned for three months after his car was impounded.
He said during his jail term, Ndukwe lost his three-year-old daughter owing to a lack of funds to cater to her health.
“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.
“During his jail term, he lost his three-year-old daughter due to the non-availability of funds to cater for her health. 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.”
