VIO Director Raises Concerns Over Court Ruling Impacting Transport Safety In Ekiti State

VIO Director Raises Concerns Over Court Ruling Impacting Transport Safety In Ekiti StateEngr. Olawale Ayegbusi, the Director of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in Ekiti State, has expressed worries that the removal of VIO officers from the roads could have a detrimental effect on transport safety nationwide. In an interview with reporters on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Ayegbusi discussed the implications of a recent high court ruling that restricts VIO officials from impounding vehicles, confiscating property, or imposing fines on motorists.

He clarified that this ruling is specific to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and does not extend to Ekiti State. “This matter is a residual issue unique to the FCT and does not apply to all states in the country,” he emphasized.

Ayegbusi underscored the crucial role of VIO officers in ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles, which is vital for preventing accidents and protecting the lives of both motorists and passengers. He assured the public that VIO operations in Ekiti State would continue as normal, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to road safety.

“We are trained professionals, and we assure the people of Ekiti that we will work diligently to minimize road crashes. The removal of VIO officers from the roads would negatively impact traffic safety,” he stated.

He noted that VIO officers have been instrumental in helping drivers identify potential faults in their vehicles that they might not have noticed. “Road traffic law is a residual matter under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We have a concurrent and exclusive list, and residual matters are state issues. Motor vehicle administration falls under this category, giving each state the authority to legislate its own laws,” Ayegbusi explained.

He added, “The judgment from the federal high court applies only to the Federal Capital Territory, not to every state. Ekiti State has its own laws, which remain in effect. This means the VIO in Ekiti is not barred from performing its duties, including conducting patrols and impounding vehicles, as it is our constitutional right. The court ruling pertains only to federal law, not state law.”

Ayegbusi reassured residents of Ekiti that his officers would maintain professionalism and work hard to reduce road accidents in the state. He also urged the public to adhere to traffic regulations and cooperate with officers to ensure safer roads.

“We encourage the public to view the VIO as their allies and to feel free to raise any concerns at our office,” he concluded.

For more information on this article and other related posts from Bushradiogist, please join our WhatsApp channel by clicking this link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaUumOODTkK7AZL1Fw3o. For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 090 1907 0863 on WhatsApp.