The Akwa Ibom State Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) operatives from roads across the state following legal intervention by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Uyo Branch.
This decision comes after a state court ruled that VIO operatives had no authority to stop vehicles, impound them, or impose fines on motorists. The directive had initially been followed, but the operatives later returned to the roads in February, particularly on Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo, disregarding the court order.
In response, the NBA, Uyo Branch, led by its leadership team, engaged with the Commissioner for Transport to address the violation. A statement signed by the branch’s secretary, Utomobong Inyang, confirmed that the commissioner promptly directed the VIO operatives to vacate the roads in compliance with the court ruling.
“We are delighted to report that the commissioner has promptly directed the VIO to vacate the roads in compliance with the judgment. The Branch remains committed to advocating for justice and defending the rights of citizens,” Mr. Inyang said.
He also commended the transport commissioner for upholding the rule of law and acknowledged the efforts of NBA members who flagged the violation, allowing for swift action.
The decision to recall the VIO operatives has been widely praised as a step towards ensuring that government agencies operate within legal boundaries while protecting the rights of motorists in the state.
