The Delta State Traffic Management Authority has announced plans to introduce a guard room at its headquarters in Asaba where officers found guilty of serious misconduct could be detained pending further action.
The Director-General of DESTMA, Dr Benjamin Essien Okiemute, disclosed this on Tuesday during an emergency meeting with officers at the authority’s headquarters.
Okiemute said the measure was part of efforts to strengthen discipline and check misconduct among traffic officers across the state.
He warned officers against extorting motorists and other members of the public, stressing that they must collect only fines officially approved by the government.
“I have decided to provide a guard room as part of the measures to strengthen discipline within the Authority.
“Any officer who seriously misbehaves will be detained there while the necessary documentation is prepared for the appropriate authorities, including the Police, where necessary,” he said.
The DG also directed officers to avoid confrontational enforcement and remain calm, professional and respectful while carrying out their duties.
He said management had intensified monitoring of DESTMA operations across the various zones and would continue to act on complaints about officers’ conduct.
“I am intensifying my monitoring across the zones, and I am following up on the reports I receive.
“I have made this very clear: under no circumstances should any officer be found extorting a member of the public. You are required to collect only the officially stipulated fines and nothing beyond that,” Okiemute added.
