By Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi
The Rivers State Government has debunked a fake notice circulating in the social media warning motorists of a sinister plan to impound and fine any vehicle whose driver is caught violating certain traffic rules.
According to the fake ‘government announcement,’ such traffic offences include running one way or answering calls while driving, all of which will attract a fine of N350,000 before any impounded vehicle is released.
The fake notice, entitled ‘Government Special Announcement’, which has no signature to authenticate it, reads:
“Be informed that the present Government of Rivers State has engaged the services of all security personnels in the state to impound any vehicle running one-way henceforth with an enforcement fee of 350,000 for forfeiture.
“Also, answering of phone calls while driving is now against the state law of traffic.
“If you must do so, pack one side and answer ur calls or better use headphones while responding to your official calls.
“We are hereby intimating the public to adhere to this rules as it’s consequences will be heavy to carry. Let’s be guided…”
But debunking the fake notice that is also fraught with typographical errors, the Rivers State government, in a statement entitled ‘Government Special Announcement’, signed by the state commissioner for transport, DrJacobson Nbina, dated July 13, 2023 and issued with the official government letter-headed paper, described it as false.
The statement noted that while the government abhors violation of traffic rules, the fake notice credited to it should be discarded.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Rivers State Ministry of Transport has been drawn to a statement purported to have emanated from the Rivers State Government on an amorphous engagement of security personnel to impound vehicles running one way or answering calls while driving.
“Much as the Ministry frowns at traffic violations, we want to urgently inform the general public that the information is false and should be discarded.
“We further warn mischief makers to steer clear of our roads and not to harass innocent citizens in the course of their daily activities. Please beware!”
Meanwhile, investigation has revealed that many touts and hoodlums posing either as taskforce officers or local government ticket collectors have emerged on Port Harcourt roads, especially the Choba – NTA/Rumuokwuta, Ada George – Mile 3, Rumuokoro – Mile 1 and Eleme Junction – Borokiri routes, in the last two months, harassing, intimidating and extorting money from motorists, especially commercial drivers.
There is strong suspicion in some quarters that the emergence of the fake traffic offence sanction notice may not be unconnected with an attempt by the hoodlums and extortionists to justify their criminal activities and unleash more terror on commercial drivers and innocent citizens of the state.
Many therefore believe that clamping down on the said hoodlums will go a long way in bringing sanity Port Harcourt on roads.
