Lagos State Government on Thursday said it decided to expose the two officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline accused of extortion by traders at Iddo Market to prove that it is committed to its anti-corruption stance.
KAI, an enforcement arm of the Ministry of the Environment, had on Wednesday announced the suspension of its men, Femi Ajayi and Samuel Awoseyin, while an investigation panel was set up to probe the men.
KAI, an enforcement arm of the Ministry of the Environment, had on Wednesday announced the suspension of its men, Femi Ajayi and Samuel Awoseyin, while an investigation panel was set up to probe the men.
The traders had accused the officials of demanding N800, 000 and later collecting N30, 00, in order to reopen the market’s toilet which they shut over an alleged environmental offence.
A statement by the ministry said the government would continue to expose any corrupt official caught in act of extortion or those who engaged in actions that could tarnish the image of the government.
The statement read in part, “Information actually got to KAI headquarters about the officials who had perfected plans to extort money from traders at Iddo market.
“The new internal corruption tracking machinery put in place by the management was activated and the officers fell into the trap and were apprehended.
“The Lagos State Government, however, urges members of the public to be vigilant and ensure that they collaborate with the government in its ongoing reorganisation of the KAI as it will not condole any act of extortion or gratification in any form.”
The government also advised residents to always resist demand for gratification from KAI officials or other law enforcement personnel.
“Our intention is to promote a willing citizenry that will voluntarily key into the state’s environmental sanitation programme, without the use of force, and attain a cleaner and sustainable environment,” the statement added
