Date: 2010-08-17

Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki on Monday warned the newly created Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority against indiscipline.

Saraki gave the warning while receiving the executive members of the agency in his office in Ilorin.

The governor, who also advised members of the agency to shun all forms of corruption, noted that the warning had become necessary because of the seeming bad image of state traffic departments in the country.

He advised that any act capable of denting the image of the agency and by extension, the state, should be discouraged by KWARTMA, adding that the government would not fail to punish its members for any act of misdemeanor.

He noted that being a critical body in the effort to attract investors into the state, the agency should be above board at all times.

He said, “Since you have a role to play in development, you must be disciplined and corruption-free. You must be honest and transparent with zero tolerance for sleaze.

“This agency will create jobs for our teeming youths. Don’t also forget that you are being paid with the taxpayers’ money. You must therefore exercise caution in dealing with the pubic.”

He advised them to commence an awareness campaign for the public, noting that all traffic offenders must be treated with all fairness and firmness.

Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has called for a peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

Adeyemi, who expressed joy at the cordial relationship between Oyo and Ilorin, stated this when he paid a visit to the governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Monday.

The Alaafin, who advised Nigerians to note that growth and development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, urged them to see one another as brothers.

The monarch refused to speak on the agitation for an Ibadan State, “because I am not here for politics.’’

He noted that the harmony existing among the traditional rulers in the country had assisted in bringing development to the country.

He lauded the governor for his efforts in developing the infrastructural base of the state, adding that part of his mission was to encourage the governor.

Saraki has also urged traditional rulers in the state to always ensure that peace and tranquility reign supreme in their domains preparatory to the 2011 elections.

He made the appeal on Monday at Kaima, Kaima Local Government Area while installing the new Emir of Kaima, Bagidi Kiyaru IV, Alhaji Shehu Omar.

The governor said that was the only way the community could collectively sustain the peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the state.

He reminded the monarch that as the custodian of the culture and tradition of the people, he should jealously guide and guard them.

Saraki urged the traditional rulers to provide effective leadership to their people so that the legacies of the accelerated development in their community could be sustained .

Earlier the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Makama , had called on all those who contested for the stool of Kaima Emirate to cooperate with the new Emir.