The Cross River State Government has disowned numerous revenue and enforcement agents operating on major roads across the state, accusing them of extortion, harassment and unlawful impoundment of commercial vehicles.
The government said it was not responsible for the activities of the agents, who have allegedly been molesting motorists and commercial drivers under the guise of revenue enforcement.
Speaking through the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr Ekpeyong Akiba, Governor Bassey Otu announced a temporary suspension of ticketing activities and operations of traffic task force agents across the state.
The directive followed Thursday’s protest by commercial minibus drivers, which disrupted movement in key parts of Calabar over alleged multiple taxation, excessive ticketing, high fines and illegal parking charges.
Akiba described many of the enforcement operatives as “faceless and illegal agents” exploiting motorists on public roads.
According to him, government had convened a stakeholders’ meeting with transport unions where complaints by drivers were reviewed and commitments made to eliminate unlawful revenue collectors.
He assured that the administration would address the hardship faced by motorists in line with Governor Otu’s People First agenda, stressing that efforts were underway to restore order in traffic and revenue enforcement operations.
Also speaking, the Complaints and Solution Desk Officer in the Governor’s Office, Dr Victoria Eyung, said existing traffic and transportation laws being used by the agents were outdated and due for urgent review.
Eyung added that government would harmonise relevant enforcement bodies and remove illegal task forces from the roads to ensure a coordinated and lawful traffic management system in the state.
Leaders of transport unions, including Chairman of the Unified Drivers Association, Nta Henshaw, and Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Metropolitan Chapel, Engr. Sunday Dennis, confirmed holding talks with government.
Both described the stakeholders engagement as an opportunity to formally present drivers’ grievances and seek lasting solutions.
The state government will come out with a firm position on traffic rules and fines on Monday.
Cross River disowns tax enforcement agents, to review outdated traffic laws