By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Governor Nasir El-Rufai has announced the immediate closure of the Kaduna state’s Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) Office as a result of indiscipline and corruption among officers.
Spokesman of the Governor, Samuel Aruwan in a statement, Tuesday, disclosed that the decision came after an executive order was signed by the governor, directing all personnel of the agency to promptly withdraw from the streets – with the permanent staff reports to the office of the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport.
It further stated that, “with this decision, the casual staffs have become surplus to requirements and accordingly dispensed with forthwith. The permanent staffs of the defunct VIO are to report to the Commissioner of Works Housing and Transport for further instructions.”
It warned that anyone found purporting the streets as VIO henceforth, would be treated as an impostor and arrested for impersonation, adding that, announcements shall be made when a replacement agency is ready to commence operations.
“Following deliberations at the Executive Council and the Security Council, the government came to the conclusion that the VIO as currently constituted does not serve the public interest. The government has noted complaints from members of the public and the security agencies regarding widespread indiscipline, misconduct, alleged extortion and disrespect to citizens by VIO personnel.
“Government is taking steps to review and reassign the functions hitherto performed by the VIO. A new structure, fitter for purpose and oriented for proper public service, will be formed and announced soon.
“While a replacement agency for the VIO is in the works, the Kaduna State Government wishes to reiterate that no staff or agency of the public service is allowed to collect or receive cash payment.
”State laws prohibit the collection of cash revenues by any person, authority or organization. All payments to the government must be conducted through a bank or via electronic channels,” the statement explained.
