The Cross River State Government has disowned several 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 allegedly molested 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 traffic task force operations statewide.
The directive followed Thursday’s protest by commercial minibus drivers, which disrupted movement in key parts of Calabar over allegations of 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. He said the government had convened a stakeholders’ meeting with transport unions to review complaints and pledged to eliminate unlawful revenue collectors.
He assured residents that the administration would address the hardship faced by motorists in line with the governor’s People First agenda, adding that steps were being taken to restore order to traffic and revenue enforcement operations.
Also speaking, Dr. Victoria Eyung, Complaints and Solution Desk Officer in the Governor’s Office, said existing traffic and transportation laws being enforced were outdated and due for urgent review.
She added that the government would harmonise relevant enforcement bodies and remove illegal task forces from the roads to ensure a coordinated and lawful traffic management system.
Transport union leaders, including Nta Henshaw of the Unified Drivers Association and Engr. Sunday Dennis of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, confirmed holding talks with the government, describing the engagement as an opportunity to formally present drivers’ grievances and seek lasting solutions.
The state government said it would announce a firm position on traffic rules and fines on Monday.