20 June 2019
This State agency is responsible for the control of intracity roads. Agreeably, the agency has reduced by way of employment, touts and cultists on the streets of Calabar, the Cross River State capital. But the necessary training required to enforce laws designated to the agency hasn't been given much consideration.
The tragic incident which led to the death of Mr. Michael, a shoe trader is a proof that some overzealous staffs over step their bounds occasionally as many victims have hitherto complained. Mr Godwin Nyiam, please be informed that traders have affirmed that some officials who come supposedly to chase them away from the road side have a particular amount of money “bribe” which they collect to allow them sell, same thing is done to commercial drivers. The public are of the opinion that, you are not only aware, but that you have a “daily return” from this extortion. This remains unsubstantiated.
The late Michael before his tragic death, had a long argument and a few exchange of blows with the officers. While they made to move after seizing his wares, he stood in front of the vehicle in protest and that was how the DOPT driver knocked him down to death and drove off to the office. A mismanaged situation.
The driver of the DOPT vehicle must be made to face the full wrath of the law for committing murder or the agitation for the end of this agency will be intensified. This will serve as deterrent to other officials while the public hope that measures be taken to ensure adequate training of agents.
Modlin Odu.