By Bright Chinedu Ikeokwu
Our attention has be drawn to an open letter written by one Benkas Ben, wherein he complained about TIMAAS fines but failed to state the traffic offence committed.
We do not intend to join issues with Benkas and other traffic offenders. We have a mandate which is to ensure that traffic laws are obeyed and defaulters disciplined. This we have been doing within the ambit of the law.
To set the records straight, Benkas, who is a regular offender of traffic rules because of his tribe, was penalized for converting a section of Echefu road into a mechanic garage which led to obstruction. He was issued a Notice of Offence Sheet in accordance to the law. In the sheet, was a fine which is to be paid to the Board of Internal Revenue. Rather than comply, he chose the path of blackmail by playing the ethnicity card and attacking our officers. Unfortunately for Benkas, laws guiding the activities of TIMAAS did not exonerate any tribe or ethnic group. More so, fines for unleashing violence on our uniformed men and having your vehicle towed cannot be the same as a normal fine.
We will continue to sensitize and educate citizens to be law abiding and avoid all forms of indiscipline especially on our roads. But for those who have sworn to remain lawless, breaking every known traffic rules, TIMAAS will stop at nothing in ensuring that relevant laws are enforced and Abia rid of all forms of lawlessness.
Just a reminder, TIMAAS frowns at Traffic offences such as: Driving against the traffic, Driving without seat belts, Use of mobile phone while driving, Double Parking, Overloading of passengers and goods, Picking and dropping of passengers on unauthorized places, Offloading or loading of goods by motorists while vehicle is on the road, Indiscriminate parking, Throwing of dirt from moving vehicles, Encroachment in form of Trading on Streets and Roads, converting our roads to mechanic workshops ,Assault or molesting of traffic Officers while on duty.
Note that every act of indiscipline attracts penalty. We do not derive joy in penalizing individuals but we have a responsibility to instil discipline, and that we must do.
Below is a copy of the “Notice of offence sheet ” issued to Benkas Ben
Thank you
Mr Bright Ikeokwu is the General Manager of Traffic And Indiscipline Management Agency Of Abia State (TIMAAS).
