By Press Release
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has pledged to partner the Akwa Ibom Police Command in enforcing the Third-Party Vehicle Insurance Policy in the state.
The CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, and his team made the pledge when they paid a courtesy visit on the state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, at the police Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia in Uyo LGA on Friday, 24 January.
The enforcement exercise of the third party insurance will commence across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state from February 1, 2025 as directed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetoku.
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By this law, vehicle owners are mandated to possess valid third-party insurance as required by Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act.
However, Isong commended CP Azare for his gallant leadership, which he accentuated, has been instrumental in maintaining peace, security, and the rule of law in Akwa Ibom State.
He described the Commissioner as a professional par excellence whose proactive measures have further enhanced public safety and confidence in the policing structure of the state.
The CHRAN Director reaffirmed the organization’s relentless commitment to fostering justice, human rights, and accountability.
While emphasizing the importance of public enlightenment, Isong stated that CHRAN would use its platforms to sensitize citizens on the necessity of obtaining valid third-party insurance documents.
He called for collective efforts to ensure seamless compliance with the law, which is geared toward protecting lives and properties.
Responding, CP Azare expressed profound gratitude to the CHRAN leadership for their visit and commendations. He assured them of the Command’s steadfast commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability in the enforcement of the third-party insurance policy.
Azare emphasized that the enforcement exercise would be carried out with strict adherence to citizens’ rights and in collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure fairness and orderliness.
He reiterated the readiness of the Command to prosecute anyone who attempts to undermine the law or exploit the process for personal gains.
The CP further commended CHRAN for its efforts in promoting human rights and pledged the Command’s continuous collaboration with civil society organizations to strengthen public trust and enhance the effectiveness of policing in Akwa Ibom.
Police to impound vehicles without valid third party insurance
Recall that Akwa Ibom Police Command has pledged its readiness to impound vehicles without valid Third Party Vehicle Insurance to guard against the use of fake ones by vehicle owners.
Straightnews gathered that some people suspected to be touts who flood the premises of Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, and Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo and other outlets are fond of extorting money and issuing fake third party insurance licences to unsuspecting vehicle owners.
Consequent upon this, the state Commissioner of Police, Azare, convened the meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia on Monday, January 20, 2025, to foster collaboration and addressing concerns with critical stakeholders.
The meeting brought together such heads of key organizations as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), among others.
He warned that vehicles without valid insurance would be impounded and only released upon the presentation of genuine documents.
The Commissioner of Police also cautioned against fake insurance, stating that vehicle owners found in possession of such documents would be required to identify the issuing source.
The Commissioner urged the public to patronise authentic insurance providers, stressing that compliance would prevent inconveniences and promote road safety.
In his remarks, the Sector Commander of the FRSC called on road users to update their insurance and other vehicle particulars, describing them as key documents to avoid embarrassment during enforcement.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Sir Okon Okon, commended the Police Command for its proactive leadership, stating that third-party insurance is a basic requirement for all vehicles, appealing to vehicle owners to update their insurance documents promptly.
The RTEAN Chairman, Comrade Godwin C Edem pledged the union’s support for the enforcement exercise, acknowledging its potential to bring order to the state’s transportation system.
Also, the NUJ Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, lauded CP Azare for his visionary and proactive approach.
He pledged the support of journalists in creating awareness to ensure the success of the initiative.
The state chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunny James commended the police about the calling of the strategic meeting to discuss enforcement of third party insurance.
He appealed to members of the public to renew their vehicles particulars before the expiration of the given grace period.
