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By John Ogunsemore
Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani has tackled the police over the introduction of the mandatory third party insurance initiative for motor vehicles whose enforcement commenced on February 1 across the nation.
Sani said it is wrong for vehicle owners to be compelled to insure their vehicles.
In a statement on January 31, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that the initiative was aimed at reinforcing road safety measures and ensuring that all vehicle owners comply with the stipulated insurance requirements to protect themselves and others on the road.
The police cautioned vehicle owners and operators against non-compliance with this essential regulation, warning that failure to possess valid third party insurance would result in strict enforcement actions, including fines or penalties or both, as mandated by relevant extant laws.
Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun had directed all state Commissioners of Police to ensure due enforcement from February 1, as police officers would be empowered to conduct checks and enforce penalties for non-compliance in line with relevant extant laws.
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In a follow-up statement on February 1, the force spokesman explained that the police was not using the policy to rake in money as claimed by some social media influencers and activists.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to emphasise that it does not issue third-party insurance as it has been misconstrued by some individuals.
“The responsibility for obtaining this mandatory insurance lies with vehicle owners through their respective insurance companies,” Adejobi stated.
But in an X post on Monday, Sani maintained that vehicle owners should not be compelled to insure their vehicles.
He said, “Forcing people to insure their vehicles is wrong. It should be a personal choice if a person wants to insure his vehicle or not. Insurance guys just want to drag people to their offices.”
