The Lagos State Government has argued that the Federal High Court judgment in Abuja barring the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping and impounding vehicles does not affect VIO Lagos directorate operations.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, canvassed this argument through a statement on Tuesday.
Osiyemi said it is important to note that in law, a court has limits of its territorial jurisdiction, adding that in this case, the judgment is restricted to Abuja.
“It is also important to know the rationale of the judgment of Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023.
“The rationale is that there is no law which empowers the VIO in Abuja to stop, impound seize, or impose fines on motorists, whereas in Lagos State, there is the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018) which dictates; Part II, Section 11-22 of the law to the establishment, duties and power of VIO in the State.
“This is with the penalties or fines that can be imposed for traffic violations as contained in schedule of the law (violations-1-52).
“Therefore, the decision of the Federal High Court Abuja on VIO is inapplicable in Lagos State,” he said.
The commissioner advised motorists in Lagos State to continue to be law abiding, uphold the Transport Sector Reform Law, and respect the VIO.
– NAN