Uncertainty as Ambode allegedly suspends VIOs’ operations

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos—There was uncertainty in government quarters yesterday as reports quoted Governor  Akinwunmi Ambode as ordering the temporary suspension of the state’s Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIOs from road operation in the state with immediate effect.

The governor, it was gathered, ordered the officers to stay off Lagos roads until further instructions.

Vanguard gathered that since last week, the VIOs, under the Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, had left all Lagos roads on the order of the governor.

But sources close to the governors office said since the order was not backed by an official statement it could be a ruse.

The governor was said to have hinged the directive on the administration’s policy of compulsory training and retraining of all public workers in the state irrespective of cadres.

It was also gathered that the order became necessary in order to reposition and improve the services of the agency in conformity with the global best practices.

Also the move came following several complaints against the agency on high-handedness, over-zealousness and aggressive drive as revenue generating outfit for the state’s government.

According a source, the governor was particularly irked by the recent occurrence where some VIOs were accused of setting ablaze an impounded vehicle in their custody, among other outcry from residents.

A senior officer of the agency, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the development to Vanguard describing the governor’s directive as measure to pave way for “technological enforcement.’’

A VIO source told our reporter that the officers had been ordered by the governor to go on compulsory retraining on the use of modern technology in order to be humane in dealing with the public.

A source added that the Ministry of Transportation was working frantically to arrange training for VIOs so that they could get back on the road soonest, while they are to stay off the roads ion the meantime.

 

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