In a decisive move to address growing public concerns about the conduct of Enugu MOT officers, the Enugu State House of Assembly has summoned the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Obi Ozor, alongside officials of the Ministry’s traffic management unit, to appear before it. The summons follows petitions from citizens alleging that certain MOT officers engage in unprofessional, indecent, and illegal activities that harass motorists and tarnish the image of the state government.
Confirming the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Mr. Paul Nnajiofor, said the Assembly’s action was a bold step toward protecting residents from arbitrary fines, extortion, and harassment on the roads. He noted that the petitions came from across the state, calling for the legislature’s intervention to restore sanity and accountability.
During plenary, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Engr. Uchenna Ugwu, issued the directive after a Motion of Urgent Public Importance was presented by Hon. Dr. Okechukwu Aneke, member representing Udi South Constituency. The motion, titled “Protection of Citizens and Residents of Enugu State from Extortion, Indecent Operational Disposition, and Arbitrary Fines by MOT Officers” (Motion No. 06/2025), called for immediate action to safeguard both citizens and government revenue from the excesses of some Enugu MOT officers.
Speaker Ugwu subsequently inaugurated a joint committee made up of the Committees on Transport, Public Accounts, Public Petitions, Ethics, and Privileges. The committee was tasked with organizing a public hearing to investigate the allegations and provide a platform for all stakeholders to share their experiences and propose lasting solutions.
According to the Speaker, “The House is committed to ensuring that every arm of government operates with integrity. These allegations against some Enugu MOT officers are serious and must be addressed transparently. We want to protect both the image of the government and the welfare of the people.”
Many residents have described the Assembly’s move as long overdue, given the wave of complaints about harassment by some officers of the MOT. A motorist, Mr. Udo Onwurah, who spoke to journalists in Enugu, narrated that some officers operate more like revenue hunters than traffic regulators. “There are good officers among them, but some behave as if they are above the law. They stop vehicles unnecessarily, demand unofficial payments, and even impound vehicles without proper documentation,” he said. “We are happy that the House has stepped in.”
Another resident, Mrs. Ifeoma Ede, a commercial tricycle operator, alleged that some Enugu MOT officers target vehicles with out-of-state plate numbers. “They claim we are violating transport regulations simply because our tricycles were registered in another state. Sometimes, they seize our keys and demand money before releasing them. It’s frustrating,” she said.
A commuter bus driver, Mr. Damian Ugochukwu, also lamented that the officers often act without restraint. “They hide in corners waiting for motorists to pass, then jump out to stop you. Many of us are victims of unnecessary fines and intimidation. Their attitude discourages honest drivers who just want to earn a living,” he stated.
Observers say the situation, if not checked, could undermine the commendable work of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, which has been widely praised for its reforms, infrastructure development, and governance transformation. The alleged misconduct of some Enugu MOT officers, they argue, sends the wrong signal to citizens and investors about the government’s commitment to fair and transparent service delivery.
Mr. Nnajiofor emphasized that the House’s intervention aligns with Governor Mbah’s reform-driven vision. “The governor does not tolerate indiscipline or corruption in any form. The Assembly’s move complements his agenda for a functional and people-oriented Enugu State. The forthcoming public hearing will help expose any wrongdoing and chart a corrective course,” he explained.
Civil society organizations and transport unions have lauded the Assembly’s proactive stance. The Coalition for Good Governance, in a statement, commended the legislators for prioritizing public welfare. “We urge the joint committee to ensure that any officer found guilty of unprofessional conduct is sanctioned. Enugu deserves a modern, humane, and efficient transport system,” the group stated.
Transport analysts also believe that the issue of Enugu MOT officers should be addressed structurally, not just through punishment. They recommend clearer operational guidelines, better training, and a transparent monitoring framework to curb excesses and prevent the reemergence of rogue practices.
As the House prepares to hold its public hearing, expectations among residents are high. Many hope the exercise will not only end extortion and harassment but also reinforce confidence in the state government’s commitment to justice and accountability. They believe that cleaning up the MOT will complement the Mbah administration’s broader effort to build a modern, efficient, and investor-friendly Enugu.
Ultimately, while the Ministry of Transport plays a vital role in traffic regulation and revenue generation, stakeholders insist that the activities of a few bad elements should not be allowed to discredit the entire system or stain the impressive record of the current administration. The ongoing probe into the alleged misconduct of Enugu MOT officers is therefore seen as both a moral and administrative test – one that could restore citizens’ trust and reaffirm that in Enugu State, good governance truly begins with accountability. Visit GMTNewsng for more news.
