Gov. Ugwuanyi, Extends Ban On Traffic Fines By Government Agents

By Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

Enugu State Governor, Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has ordered indefinite extension of the ban on the collection of fines for traffic offences by agents of the government.

The decision followed public outcry by motorists over the brutality and uncivilized conducts by various traffic officials in the State.

The Governor, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Louis Amoke made and available to newsmen Tuesday, stated that the directive was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the State Executive Council meeting, which was presented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele.

The statement hinted that the Governor opted for the extension to enable the state have more time to conclude its plans to streamline the activities of traffic law enforcement as well understudy the models of traffic operations in Lagos state and other States across Nigeria for a comprehensive approach towards innovative regulatory measures that would guarantee peace and give the people a sense of belonging.

The first ban expired October end, hence the directive to extend it indefinitely.
Governor Ugwuanyi in a swift response to the persistent complaints of extortion, undue hardship and incessant harassment, of road users as well as visitors to the state by task force officials, had early last month, ordered the immediate suspension of the collection of fines for traffic offences in Enugu Capital territory, for one month.

The Governor stated that such practices were inimical to his administration’s efforts to sustain the peaceful and serene environment of the state and his promise to provide good governance to the people of the state and make their lives better.

He also frowned at the N25, 000 fine being collected as punishment for a traffic offence, stressing that “a situation where for example, a civil servant who may be earning about N25, 000 a month, is asked to pay the same amount as punishment for a traffic offence” was totally unacceptable.

The statement equally assured that the Governor was committed to the full implementation of the directive and a reform programme that would guarantee a free accident and orderly transportation system in the state