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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
The Director of Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) in Ekiti State, Engr. Olawale Ayegbusi, has expressed concern that the removal of VIO officers from the roads could adversely affect transport safety across the country.
In an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Ayegbusi addressed the implications of a recent high court ruling that restrains VIO officials from impounding, confiscating, or imposing fines on motorists.
He clarified that this ruling is specific to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and does not apply to Ekiti State.
He emphasized that the matter is a residual issue specific to the FCT and does not extend to all states across the country.
Ayegbusi highlighted the importance of VIO officers in ensuring that vehicles on the roads are safe and roadworthy, which is essential for preventing accidents and safeguarding the lives of motorists and passengers.
He reassured the public that VIO operations in Ekiti State would continue as usual, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to road safety.
According to him, “We are professionals and trained officers, and we assure the people of Ekiti that we will work tirelessly to minimise road crashes. Removing VIO officers from the roads would negatively affect traffic safety.
“VIO officers have played a vital role in helping drivers identify faults in their vehicles, which they may not have been aware of.”
He further said, “Road traffic law is a residual matter under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We have a concurrent, exclusive list and residual matters. The residual matter is a state issue.
“It concerns only the state, and motor vehicle administration falls under this category, giving each state the power to legislate its own laws. The judgement from the federal high court applies solely to the Federal Capital Territory, not to every state.
“Ekiti State has its own laws, and they remain intact. This means the VIO in Ekiti is not barred from carrying out its duties, including conducting patrols and impounding vehicles, as it is our constitutional right. The court ruling pertains only to federal capital law, not Ekiti law.”
Ayegbusi assured residents of Ekiti that his officers would continue to uphold professionalism and work diligently to reduce road crashes in the state.
He also called on the public to adhere to traffic rules and cooperate with officers to ensure safer roads.
“We urge the public to see the VIO as their friends and feel free to raise any concerns at our office,” he concluded.
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