By Ambrose Ologide.
HRM Dr Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso (JP ) OON Abe I the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom has expressed displeasure over the excesses of Vehicle Inspection Officers ( VIO ) in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas.
The Uvwie monarch who spoke when he played host to officials of Vehicle Inspection Officers ( VIO) at his posh palace GRA Effurun Uvwie Local Government Area on Wednesday June 22nd, 2023 noted that the excesses of some vehicle inspection officers in both local government areas were scaring to first time visitors, particularly investors.
He noted that some of the vehicle inspection officers have ursurped the duties of police officers instead of checking the road worthiness of vehicles.
The Uvwie monarch also noted that VIOs lacked workshops and equipment for their duties, pointing out that most vehicles on the high ways were not road worthy and were often overloaded.
He stressed that vehicle inspection officers should perform their duties in accordance with laws establishing them but should not do anything that will scare away investors from both local government areas.
The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom stated that himself, the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III and other traditional rulers in Warri had worked assiduously to woo investors to both local government areas.
He had suggested that conveyance of heavy loads should be on railways and seaports noting that usage of heavy duty vehicles has contributed in no small way to the bad state of roads in the state.
In his response, the leader of VIO delegation to the meeting , Newworld Esenakife who is the provost of VIO in Delta State thanked the highly esteemed traditional ruler for his advice as he promised to past same to his superiors.
He however disclosed that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had provided equipment and centres for testing of vehicles in Asaba, Warri and Sapele.
Esenakife also hinted that vehicle inspection officers were often given pep talks on every morning before they go out for duties.
