El-Rufai sacks Kaduna state VIO ‘for corruption’

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, on Tuesday signed an executive order dissolving the Vehicle Identification Office (VIO) in the state.

In a statement, by Samuel Aruwan, spokesperson to the governor, the government disclosed that the closure of the VIO was due to the corruption, indiscipline and their lack of respect for the public.

“The Kaduna state government has dissolved the Vehicle Identification Office, VIO. The governor has signed an executive order giving immediate effect to this decision,” the statement read.

“All personnel of the VIO are to promptly withdraw from the streets, and the permanent staff of the agency are directed to report with their uniforms to the commissioner for works, housing and transport.

“With this decision, the casual staff have become surplus to requirements and accordingly dispensed with forthwith.”

However, Aruwan said the permanent staff would be given further instructions, warning that “anyone found on Kaduna streets purporting to be a VIO from today, Tuesday, 8 December 2015, will be treated as an impostor and will be arrested by the Police for immediate prosecution for impersonation”.

“Following deliberations at the executive council and the security council, the government came to the conclusion that the VIO as currently constituted does not serve the public interest.

“The government has noted complaints from members of the public and the security agencies regarding widespread indiscipline, misconduct, alleged extortion and disrespect to citizens by VIO personnel.”

The state said it was taking steps to create a structure better for public service, advising residents to avoid illegal payment.

“Government is taking steps to review and reassign the functions hitherto performed by the VIO. A new structure, fitter for purpose and oriented for proper public service, will be formed and announced soon.

“While a replacement agency for the VIO is in the works, the Kaduna State Government wishes to reiterate that no staff or agency of the public service is allowed to collect or receive cash payments. State laws prohibit the collection of cash revenues by any person, authority or organization.

“All payments to the government must be conducted through a bank or via electronic channels.”