By Akinwale Kasali
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, is to wield the big stick by suing a Filmmaker for the unauthorized use of its uniform and kits.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Bolaji Oreagba, said it frowned at the demeaning manner in which movie and skit makers portray the institution in their movies and skits.
A statement signed by the Organization’s Spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, declared the unauthorized use of its uniforms, Kits and other accoutrements by film and skit makers illegal.
Oreagba lamented the manner the filmmakers and skit makers use LASTMA uniforms without recourse to Section 79 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015, which criminalizes such unauthorized usage.
He made this known after seeing a fully kitted actress with LASTMA uniform in a Nollywood movie titled ‘Gbogbo Lowo’ and other skit movies on different social media platforms.
According to the statement issued by Taofiq, Oreagba warned film or skit makers who act as Lastma Officers without applying for and being duly issued a permit letter for such portrayals to desist with immediate effect or face the full wrath of the Law.
He believes that such sanity in movie production, regulation of possession and usage of Lastma uniforms will surely curb the proliferation of Lastma kits, uniforms and accoutrements in the society.
“We implore the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTA) and other affiliated bodies to warn their members as anyone caught using Lastma Uniform without an approved permit would be prosecuted,” the LASTMA boss asserted.
