Hello,
I am writing this letter as a clarion call to the Socio-economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) to take immediate action to bring an end to the issuance of roadworthiness certificates to vehicle owners in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State.
As we all know, the state of our roads in Nigeria is terrible. The roads are full of potholes, broken bridges, and other hazards that make it impossible for vehicles to operate comfortably. Despite the sorry state of our roads, the State Governments still go ahead to issue roadworthiness certificates to vehicle owners, which is quite unfortunate.
It is evident that issuing roadworthiness certificates to vehicle owners is nothing more than exploiting the innocent citizens of this country. What is the point of issuing a roadworthiness certificate to a vehicle when the roads themselves are not worthy of our vehicles? The purpose of the certificate is already defeated.
I am, therefore, calling on SERAP to take legal action against the state governments or whoever is in charge to stop the issuance of roadworthiness certificates to vehicle owners in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State. This action would not only save innocent citizens from exploitation but also serve as a wake-up call to other bodies to take similar actions toward ending this abnormality.
The state governments must be made to realize that they have a responsibility to ensure that our roads are in good condition before issuing any form of certificate to vehicle owners. We cannot continue to live in a country where the state of our roads is nothing to write home about, yet people are forced to pay for certificates that are of no use.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor,
Senior advocate of the masses,
President, One Love
Foundation, Otherwise known as Ultimate Equals.