At its 33rd Legislative Sitting on Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly condemned the increasing harassment of motorists by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) in Port Harcourt.
Moving the motion, Hon. Enemi Alabo George (Asari-Toru Constituency 2) decried how VIOs, under the guise of carrying out statutory duties, now engage in extortion, intimidation, and harassment. Members who spoke supported the motion, criticizing the persistent targeting of motorists, especially women.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule described the conduct of the VIOs as extortionist and a menace to road users. The House resolved to summon the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and the Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer to explain VIO activities.
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Also on Thursday, the House received the Education Committee’s report on the vandalisation and looting at Township School 2, Port Harcourt. Committee Chairman Hon. Igwe Aforji described the school’s condition as dire and urged the government to declare a state of emergency on public primary and secondary schools.
The Speaker expressed disappointment, questioning the state of rural schools if a central Port Harcourt school was already in severe decay. The House resolved to summon the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and the Chairman of SUBEB for explanations.
Additionally, after reviewing the Joint Committee Report on the recent flash flooding in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas, the House urged the government to develop a comprehensive master plan addressing population growth and environmental realities.
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