The Kaduna State Government today announced the dissolution of the Vehicle Inspection Office. A government statement, signed by Samuel Aruwan, spokesman to the Governor, disclosed that the closure of the VIO is due to the corruption and indiscipline of the personnel, and their lack of respect for the public. The statement also revealed that an Executive Order giving immediate effect to this decision has been signed by the Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

The full text of the government statement reads:

“The Kaduna State Government has dissolved the Vehicle Identification Office, VIO. The Governor has signed an Executive Order giving immediate effect to this decision. All personnel of the VIO are to promptly withdraw from the streets, and the permanent staff of the agency are directed to report with their uniforms to the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport. With this decision, the casual staff have become surplus to requirements and accordingly dispensed with forthwith. The permanent staff of the defunct VIO are to report to the Commissioner of Works Housing and Transport for further instructions. Anyone found on Kaduna streets purporting to be a VIO from today, Tuesday, 8 December 2015, will be treated as an impostor and will be arrested by the Police for immediate prosecution for impersonation. Appropriate announcements will be made when a replacement agency is ready to commence operations.

“Following deliberations at the Executive Council and the Security Council, the government came to the conclusion that the VIO as currently constituted does not serve the public interest. The government has noted complaints from members of the public and the security agencies regarding widespread indiscipline, misconduct, alleged extortion and disrespect to citizens by VIO personnel.

“Government is taking steps to review and reassign the functions hitherto performed by the VIO. A new structure, fitter for purpose and oriented for proper public service, will be formed and announced soon.

“While a replacement agency for the VIO is in the works, the Kaduna State Government wishes to reiterate that no staff or agency of the public service is allowed to collect or receive cash payments. State laws prohibit the collection of cash revenues by any person, authority or organisation. All payments to the government must be conducted through a bank or via electronic channels.”

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.