By CrossRiverWatch admin
Taxi drivers under the umbrella of Drivers Association of Cross River State, DACRISS have been encouraged to be brave in seeking redress against all forms of illegitimate treatment meted out to them by law enforcement agents.
This booster was jointly given by the State Commissioner of Police, Henry Fadairo, State Sector Commander Federal Road Safety Corps, Lawrence Ikechukwu, State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Paul Pepe and the Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency, Mfon Bassey at a one day interactive session with the drivers over the weekend in Calabar.
They identified the active involvement of uniform men in taxi driving as a major challenge in the State transport sector, disclosing that they are the ones who mostly violate traffic rules.
The various security chiefs all agreed that such attitude is against the code of ethics of their various organizations and promised to improve collaboration with the union in fishing them out for appropriate punishment.
Furthermore, they faulted the drivers for not loading their vehicles themselves accusing their loaders in the various parks and bus stops of being behind major crimes perpetrated in the State.
State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Fadairo represented by ACP Akinwale agreed that in the past police and drivers never had cordial relationship but promised that the present police leadership in the state was poised to strengthen the relationship between the union and the police at all cost because drivers are a key sector in securing the lives and properties of citizens in the state.
On his part, the Sector Commander of Road Safety, represented by his Deputy, Kabiru Nadabo reminded them that Road Safety has always been a friend and will remain so if their papers are intact and they obey the prescribed rules.
The Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency boss represented by the Agency’s Chief Admin. Officer, Augustine Asu, accepted responsibility for allegations from the drivers that their agents under the past boss were too intimidating and ruthless, promising that his new boss has initiated plans to change all that which is why their enforcement has been suspended for some time now.
Paul Pepe, Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer of the State represented by Asuquo Otu posited that 50% of drivers drive under the influence of hard drugs which he said is the most reason for their constant arrest by his men.
Fielding questions from the drivers who were visibly excited about the interactive session which is the first, the drivers were advised to maintain road worthiness, renew their licenses on time, educate themselves regularly, change their aggressive attitude even when falsely accused and join hands with the security services to stop crime and prevent uniform men from driving taxis.
Furthermore, they were encouraged to be proud of their profession because without their services, nothing will work. The security chiefs also proposed the creation of a task force to work alongside the relevant security and regulatory agencies involved in road safety and regulation in the state.
Earlier, the drivers’ union President, Thomas Ekeng while speaking said the need for such interactive sessions was long overdue and promised that they will be held more often and if possible, monthly. He pledged that he will alongside his colleagues heed and preach the good news they’ve heard.
The following numbers were given as Police control room numbers for all and sundry to call at any time of the day the need arises, 08133568456 and 07053355415.
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