By Florencemary Nwabueze
ENUGU – The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa has announced a sweeping enforcement of traffic laws across the state, following what he describe as "rampant disregard" for regulations by motorists.
According to the commands public relations officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe in a statement on Tuesday, the CP has directed the immediate implementation of all existing traffic laws.
"The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, smicm, has directed the immediate enforcement of all existing traffic laws and regulations across the State following the rampant disregard for traffic regulations by motorists, which has resulted in avoidable gridlock, disruption of traffic flow, road crashes, loss of lives and destruction of property."
According to the statement, the directive aligns with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu's nationwide mandate to restore order on Nigerian roads and safeguard lives and property.
The CP has specifically tasked the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the Command's Legal Officer, and the State Traffic Officer to ensure professional enforcement of the directive.
"Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police has tasked the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the Command's Legal Officer and the State Traffic Officer to ensure the professional enforcement of the directive through the arrest and prosecution of offenders in accordance with extant laws and regulations."
However, CP Giwa cautioned officers against any infringement on the rights and dignity of citizens during the enforcement exercise. He urged all to familiarize themselves with and strictly obey traffic laws.
"CP Giwa urges all motorists, including police officers and other security personnel, to familiarise themselves with and strictly obey traffic laws to avoid arrest and prosecution. He emphasises that strict compliance with traffic regulations remains essential to reducing congestion, preventing road crashes, and ensuring the free flow of traffic across the State."