FRSC, VIOs differ over right to check vehicle particulars

The Deputy National Chairman of the Conference of Directors/Chief VIOs of the Federation, Garba Abdu Gaya, has faulted the statement credited to the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi, that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) are not permitted to check driver’s licence and other vehicle particulars, saying it is lacking in substance and not backed by the existing rules and regulations.

Gaya, who is also the Director, Road Traffic Department in Kano State, in a statement he issued to media men in Kano, said: “The remarks are to say the least, quite uncomplimentary which will undermine the spirit of synergy and teamwork expected between sister organisations providing services to the citizens of Nigeria.

“Instead of descending into such misleading statements that erode the expected spirit of teamwork, the Corps Marshal should use his exalted office to promote cooperation, collaboration and coordination,” he said.

According to Gaya, the FRSC boss should educate himself on the duties, functions and responsibilities of VIOs before addressing the issue before the public.

Gaya asked the Corps Marshall rhetorically: “Are you aware that the chaotic traffic situations on Nigerian highways are directly connected to the number of unqualified drivers, are you aware that we have several documented cases of fake licences involving officers from a particular organisations?

The VIO said each organisation should strictly perform its statutory responsibilities as provided by the law of the land. “I wish to advice the Corps Marshal not to allow his agency to chew more than it can swallow.”