The Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer (CVIO), Kogi State, Engr. Ahmed Daudu, has mediated in the face-off between one of his officers and a human rights activist, Hamza Aliyu.
The rights activist, on September 20, filed a petition against a Principal Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Ali Abdul, bordering on physical assault and infringement on his fundamental rights.
In his petition, Hamza, the Executive Director of Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), narrated how he was flagged down by officers of the VIO unit headed by Ali Abdul along Dunamis road in Lokoja on September 18.
He stated in an attempt to record the activities of the VIO officers after their refusal to provide him with the official booking sheet, despite holding on to his original vehicle documents and drivers’ license, Officer Ali Abdul physically assaulted him and tried to snatch his phone which is a violation of his fundamental right to property. He added that his clothes was damaged in the process.
He promised to seek legal redress.
But the Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer appealed for alternative dispute resolution.
Engr. Daudu engaged the services of a trained mediator, Comrade Idris Miliki, the Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), and the Chairperson of Kogi NGOa Network, Amb. Muraina Idris Ozovehe for amicable resolution, and strengthening collaborative synergy between VIO and the civil society in Kogi state.
The CVIO acknowledged that his officer’s action was unacceptable and not in conformity with official regulations.
The accused officer, Ali Abdul, apologised for his unprofessional conduct and the rights activist agreed to withdraw his right to seek legal redress.
To foster better relationship, the mediation meeting agreed that the VIO units leverage of CSOs resources to enhance their statutory responsibility to citizens.
