The Plateau State Ministry of Transport has taken its engagement on the crisis surrounding Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, operations to key security and public enlightenment agencies in the state.
The ministry visited the National Orientation Agency, NOA, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Department of State Services, DSS, seeking stronger collaboration to improve VIO operations and relations with motorists.
Director of VIO, Engr. Zam Jonathan, said the engagement followed recent incidents in which officers were assaulted while carrying out their statutory duties.
He urged motorists with grievances against VIO personnel to use established channels of redress rather than resorting to confrontation.
“Two wrongs, they say, never makes a right. Where you have reason to disagree with somebody does not give you the right to take the law into your hands. There are ways of resolving matters.”
Jonathan, however, acknowledged that some VIO personnel might have acted beyond their limits, assuring that the ministry would not shield officers found to have violated established rules.
He appealed to the NOA and other stakeholders to support public sensitisation and provide feedback that could help the ministry improve the conduct of VIO personnel and rebuild public confidence.
Responding, State Director of NOA, Dr. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, pledged the agency’s support for the sensitisation of motorists and communities on road regulations and the responsibilities of VIO officers.
Pam-Hworo said the awareness campaign should go beyond the media and reach communities across the state.
“We must go to the people and tell them. It does not begin and end in just one place alone. In all the zones in the state, we will create awareness.”
She also urged VIO personnel to adopt safer and more professional approaches to enforcement, particularly when dealing with motorists who refuse to stop.
Representing the Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Celestine Gogwim said the ministry was also seeking the support of the NSCDC and other enforcement agencies to ensure safer VIO operations.
He said the suspension of VIO activities had provided an opportunity to reassess the officers’ responsibilities and identify measures for improving their operations.
“One of the reasons why we are here is to synergize, to collaborate with you, and to seek for your support, being in the field as well, in enforcement agencies, so that you can be able to have a role.”
Commander of NSCDC, Plateau State Command, Mr. Ishaku Musa, assured the ministry of the corps’ continued support and advised VIO personnel to seek security assistance during enforcement operations.
“Anytime you have any problem, call on us and we are going to intervene immediately. The altercation that took place between the men and the motorists, as well as the general public, is very unfortunate.”
Musa said the NSCDC would sustain its partnership with the Ministry of Transport to ensure VIO officers can perform their statutory duties safely and effectively, while the ministry continues its engagement with the DSS and other relevant stakeholders.
