By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue has reiterated that no police officer is authorised to demand, solicit or compel any driver or rider to make payments during a stop-and-search or any other lawful police operation.
He gave the caution on Saturday following renewed complaints that certain police officers do extort commercial drivers in Calabar and other towns during Stop And Search operation.
The commissioner, represented by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at Atakpa Police Division, CSP Azenda Peter, during an engagement with major transport stakeholders in Calabar to address their complaints.
The commissioner also cautioned drivers and riders not to make such payments but to promptly report any police officer who demands or solicits such payments to the Command.
During the engagement, the stakeholders were also reminded that the prohibition of extortion does not exempt motorists and riders from obeying the law.
In a statement by the Command PRO, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata “The Commissioner charged commercial drivers and tricycle operators to strictly comply with applicable road traffic laws and lawful police directives.
“Commissioner stressed that violations would be addressed through established legal and enforcement procedures.”
Ordue further reminded all police personnel in the State that every officer was expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
He assured that the Command remains committed to strengthening public confidence through disciplined policing, community partnership, accountability and professional service delivery.
“The Command will continue to engage relevant stakeholders in addressing legitimate public concerns and assures members of the public that credible complaints of police misconduct will receive appropriate attention and be handled in accordance with the law.”
Attendees included executive members of the Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, led by the State Chairman, Mr Nta Henshaw, and representatives of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, led by the Calabar South/Municipality Chairman, Chief Pastor Ekpenyong Ewa.
End
