The Lagos Waste Management Authority ,LAWMA, has suspended a female street sweeper accused of assaulting a female passer-by at the Abraham Adesanya area of Lagos State.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, announced the suspension in a statement on Sunday, describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.
He reiterated that the Authority operates a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and misconduct, warning that any behaviour capable of undermining public confidence in LAWMA’s operations would not be tolerated.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday after an altercation between the street sweeper and the passer-by allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation.
The injured woman was immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention, while the suspect was apprehended by members of the public and handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Ajiwe Police Station, where she remains in custody.
Dr. Gbadegesin said LAWMA had taken immediate administrative action by withdrawing the operative’s uniform and suspending her from all street sanitation duties pending the outcome of the ongoing police investigation and any further disciplinary measures considered appropriate.
He stressed that the alleged conduct was entirely inconsistent with the Authority’s values, code of conduct and professional standards expected of all personnel engaged by LAWMA.
The LAWMA boss assured residents that the Authority would continue to cooperate fully with the police to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and handled in accordance with the law.
He also expressed sympathy to the injured woman and wished her a speedy recovery.
Reaffirming LAWMA’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and responsible public service, Dr. Gbadegesin assured Lagos residents that the Authority would continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct in the discharge of its environmental sanitation responsibilities.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh