CHRAN Advocates for 3rd party insurance compliance as Traffic Law Enforcement begins in A’Ibom

By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has joined the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, FSI, to advocate compliance of Third Party Insurance for vehicle owners in the state.

Led by CHRAN Director Otuekong Franklyn Isong, the delegation visited the State Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Friday, where they congratulated CP Azare on his recent appointment and acknowledged the significant strides he has made since taking office.

CHRAN commended the Commissioner for his proactive efforts in addressing crime and ensuring public safety in Akwa Ibom.

Isong hails CP Azare’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders as the Command prepares for the enforcement of laws such as the Anti-Open Grazing Law and the Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance Law, effective February 1, 2025.

CHRAN emphasized the importance of safeguarding human rights during the enforcement of these regulations, urging the Akwa Ibom State Police to ensure that officers adhere to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on the Third Party Insurance law while avoiding any violations of citizens’ rights.

The group applauded CP Azare for engaging with various stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Road Safety Commission (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). Said the efforts aim to raise public awareness ahead of the enforcement deadline.

CHRAN described these meetings as clear indicators of the Commissioner’s commitment to fostering positive relationships with the public. 

The organization also stressed that ongoing dialogues between the Police and the public would help build trust and facilitate the flow of information, contributing to overall peace and security in the state.

While appreciating the efforts, CHRAN requested an extension of the enforcement deadline beyond February 1, 2025, potentially until April 2025, to allow for further sensitization. The organization also called for both offline and online Third Party Insurance documents to be accepted during enforcement, as long as they are valid and in compliance with the law.

In his response, CP Azare thanked the CHRAN team for their visit, recognizing their dedication to working with the Police for the greater good. He expressed the readiness of the State Command to collaborate with CHRAN in ensuring the protection of lives and property in Akwa Ibom. CP Azare also reassured that the Police would continue to prioritize human rights training for officers to prevent abuses during enforcement.

Addressing concerns about corruption and extortion, CP Azare assured that he had instructed Area Commanders to ensure strict adherence to professional conduct and to take immediate action if any violations are reported. He encouraged the public to report any incidents of extortion through the designated channels.

Regarding the request for an extension of the enforcement date, CP Azare reminded that the IGP had already granted a three-month postponement, and public awareness efforts have been underway for some time. He noted that no extension would suffice for motorists who are unwilling to comply with the law.

To support the awareness efforts, CHRAN Director Otuekong Franklyn Isong announced the formation of a 5-member committee tasked with conducting extensive outreach across Akwa Ibom to ensure all vehicle owners are informed about the need for valid Third Party Insurance documents. 

This committee will also continue working with stakeholders to ensure compliance with human rights standards during law enforcement.

The committee will be chaired by Comrade (Dr.) Victor David, with Comrade Nsima Udom, Esq. serving as Secretary. Other members include Comrades Emmanuel Ika, Julius Nsikak, and Asuquo Etukudo.

This engagement comes in anticipation of the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance Law, as directed by IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, requiring all vehicle owners to obtain valid Third Party Insurance from February 1, 2025.