Jimi Agbaje carpets Ambode over traffic congestion in Lagos, offers solution

The governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, has blamed the State Governor, Akinwunmi Am...

The governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, has blamed the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for the persistent traffic congestion daily experienced by Lagosians.

Agbaje said the governor lacked the authority to mandate the required agencies to fix the roads and manage traffic.

He also attributed the situation to poor management of the state infrastructure by the current government.

Agbaje in a post via his official Twitter handle; maintained that Ambode was incapable to be in control of the affairs of the state.

He said, “As someone who works in the Apapa axis of the city, the issue of traffic congestion is one that I too face every day.

“What we’re experiencing right now is a perfect storm: poorly maintained infrastructure evident in the increase of potholes spotted all across the city as well as the nuisance caused by trucks and trailers on our roads and bridges.

“In my opinion, this terrible state of traffic is clearly as a result of the fall-out between the “self-proclaimed owners” and the current Governor of Lagos – who now seems to lack the authority to mandate the required agencies to fix the roads and manage traffic.

“Since these so-called owners do not regard the Governor, they should at least think about us, Lagosians, who are suffering on the roads every day as a result of this fall-out.

“While the solution to the traffic issue is one that requires a multi-modal approach involving a full-on rehabilitation and expansion of our road infrastructure; better use of transit routes in ways that encourage less use of cars; and an increased usage of our waterways.

“However, if I were Governor, this is what I will do now as a short-term solution: As a first of three phases, I will focus on fixing the potholes on following major roads whilst we plan towards medium-long term solutions:

Mushin-Itire road (Pako junction axis)

– Herbert Macaulay road (Adekunle axis)

– Ikorodu road (Fadeyi axis & Anthony-towards Oshodi axis)

– Alaka bridge axis

– Ijora Olapa Iddo axis

– Apongbon axis

– Bonny camp axis

– Festac last gate axis

– Maybin-Apapa slip Rd Flourmills axis

“If we focus on smoothing out these areas, we can significantly improve the flow of traffic. With the amount of taxes that we pay in this State, good roads are a right, not a luxury.”