Edet Ikotidem
The recent press release issued by the Ministry of Transport in Akwa Ibom State, under the leadership of Mr. Oman Esin, regarding the deployment of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) on the state’s roads has sparked discontent among motorists.
This decision appears to contradict a court judgment in Akwa Ibom which found that VIOs lack the moral standing to harass motorists by demanding documentation or inspecting vehicles.
Means for VIO’s to Extort Motorists
The jubilant behavior displayed by the VIOs upon the announcement suggests a potential resurgence of extortion practices on the roads, for which they have been notorious.
Their frequent presence on the roads, erecting roadblocks and causing disruptions, raises concerns about the true intent behind the state government’s actions, as well as the role of Mr. Oman Esin and the Ministry of Transport in endorsing such practices that defy legal rulings.
One is compelled to question whether the court ruling on VIOs has been disregarded or overruled.
Olukunle Edun, the National Welfare Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, criticized the actions of VIOs, highlighting the violation of constitutional rights to liberty of movement and condemning the alleged extortion practices that blur the lines between the FRSC and the Nigerian Police Force.
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It is imperative to note that there is no legislative mandate empowering VIOs to operate on public roads, as their work should be confined to controlled environments such as offices or workshops for vehicle inspections.
The arbitrary and regular presence of VIOs on public roads is deemed unlawful, and any individual stopped by them merely for documentation purposes holds the right to seek legal recourse.
The essence of law is to establish clear boundaries for governance and safeguard the rights of citizens against unjust infringements.
It is crucial for all government enforcement agencies to adhere to their designated realms of operation and to respect the fundamental freedoms of individuals, particularly in the case of Akwa Ibom residents facing potential overreach by VIOs.
