The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday, said the Police have the right and power to initiate any approach to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria as is applicable in other climes.
Adejobi was reacting to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest which had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to stop the directive requiring vehicle owners to register and obtain a Central Motor Registry System (CMRIS) certificate for a fee of not less than N6,000.
In a letter to the Inspector General of Police co-signed by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun, NBA-SPIDEL questioned the legal basis for the Nigeria Police Force’s issuance of the CMRIS Certificates, stating that no law had granted the Police the authority to issue such licences or certificates to vehicle owners following vehicle registration at the appropriate offices.
But the Force Spokesperson faulted the NBA-SPIDEL position, saying no agency can take the Police up on the initiative, adding that it has been issuing CMR for decades, so it’s not a new strategy or document.
“This is unfounded, fake, and misleading. The NBA as a body will react to this. Stop spreading fake news. Who are those who made the statement or declaration, and in what capacity?
“I challenge you to share the press statement with me, then we can talk.
“Do your investigation on this. The Police have the right and powers to initiate any approach to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria, as it’s applicable in other climes,” Adejobi said.
According to the statement, “no agency can take the Police up on this initiative, adding that they will rather key into it, harmonise the system for the good of the country, and its citizenry.”