VIO Tongue lash FRSC boss

For credibility sake, there seems to be war of words between the Deputy National Chairman of the Conference of Directors/Chief VIOs of the Federation, Garba Abdu Gaya and Boboye Oyeyemi, FRSC boss over ‘who has the authority to check vehicle or drivers license on Nigeria roads. Federal Road Safey Corps, FRSC, Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi when on Monday, May 19, 2015 paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase said: "The statutory responsibility of the VIO does not include to stop people and ask for drivers licence. There is no statutory powers given them to do so.” "All that we do are contained in the transfer of powers by the IG. If the police stops you to ask for your particulars, they are doing what they are statutorily empowered to do. What we need is collaboration to be able to do our jobs very well.” But in a swift reaction on his comment, 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 organizations 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 Marshal rhetorically: “Are you aware that the chaotic traffic situation in 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 orgnaisations? The VIO said each organization 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.”