By Prince Woke
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State Command, and the Drivers Welfare Association have accused Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in the state of exceeding their mandate by performing duties meant for the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). They alleged that the VIOs now demand insurance papers, tinted glass permits, and fire extinguishers from motorists, rather than focusing solely on the roadworthiness of vehicles.
Voke Emore, Chairman of the PCRC in Rivers State, expressed concern over what he described as an abuse of responsibilities by VIO personnel. He stated, “I am worried about the activities of Vehicle Inspection Officers in Rivers State. It is sad because a lot of commercial drivers and private vehicle owners have raised serious complaints. They have been apprehending cars, asking for vehicle papers and driver’s licenses, which is beyond their jurisdiction. That is the responsibility of the road safety officials and the Nigeria Police Force.”
He added, “VIOs are clearly overstepping their boundaries. The government needs to give them proper orientation on their actual duties. I don’t understand how insurance relates to the roadworthiness of a vehicle. Their focus should be on inspecting the mechanical and electrical condition of vehicles.”
Christopher Ezeali, Chairman of the Commercial Drivers Welfare Association in Rivers State, echoed similar concerns, accusing the VIO of harassment and extortion. He said, “I thought the work of the VIO is clearly defined, but the embarrassment and exploitation drivers face daily in Rivers State is alarming. If the current VIO leadership is not removed or redeployed, we may be forced to protest.”
He accused VIO personnel of operating illegally within city streets rather than being stationed at state boundaries. “They are all over Port Harcourt, especially at Waterlines under the flyover, Abacha Road, and Oyigbo, causing traffic and demanding N60,000 and above from motorists. They are now doing the job of both the police and road safety officials by asking for tinted glass permits, fire extinguishers, jacks, and wheel spanners.”
He further cited a valid court order prohibiting the VIO from confiscating or impounding vehicles and imposing fines on motorists. “That court order is still in effect. What kind of lawlessness is this? The Rivers State Government must stop this intimidation before it escalates,” he said.
Reacting to the allegations, the State Commander of VIO, Engr. Monibo Akobo, clarified that the officers seen on the roads are not all VIOs but include Road Traffic Officers (RTOs), both of whom fall under the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the Ministry of Transport.
He explained, “I am the Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer and also the Chief Road Traffic Officer of Rivers State. The people seen on the roads may wear the same uniform as VIOs, but if you look closely at their badges, you’ll see that they are Road Traffic Officers.”
According to him, RTOs are authorized under the Rivers State Road Traffic Law to check fire extinguishers, insurance documents, and tinted glass permits, and to apprehend traffic offenders. “This is a state matter, not federal. Every state has its own VIO and RTO. The VIO focuses on vehicle inspection,” he said.
