KINGSLEY EBERE
A Human Rights Activist and Social Crusader, Youth Empowerment Advocate, Barrister Onuora Odo, has faulted the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on the enforcement of third party insurance policy stating that the Police lack such power under the law in Nigeria.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Barr Odo stated this on the heels of the directives by IGP and the reactions of Nigerians over the enforcement order by the Police.
He stated: “A great deal has been written and said about the recent directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, directing the Police to begin to enforce compliance on third-party insurance. The directive has sparked a needless debate about the jurisdictional competence of the Police to enforce such compliance. As we all know, the Police have constitutionally assigned duties, which include but not limited to combating crimes and maintaining law and order”.
“Now, the question is: do the Police have the authority and jurisdictional competence to enforce compliance with third-party insurance regulations? In my candid opinion, the answer is emphatic NO! There is no where in the Insurance Act where Police is empowered to do so.”
“No doubt, the Insurance Act of 2003 makes it compulsory for all vehicle owners to have at least third-party insurance coverage. The Act also empowers the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to enforce compliance.”
“I want to lend my voice to support those who argue that the constitutional duty of the Police is narrowly restricted to maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crimes and protecting lives and property without more.”
“That’s to surmise that the Police do not have the authority to enforce compliance with third-party insurance. The point I’m trying to make is that NAICOM is the primary regulator of the insurance industry in Nigeria and that it is NAICOM’s responsibility to enforce compliance with insurance regulations. I entertain some genuine fears that it’s risky to further empower the Police to enforce third-party insurance compliance in view of the already existing abuse of Police powers, harassments, and extortions ravaging the system.”
“Finally, the directive is ulra vires, a nullity and emptied of any legal effect.” Odo stated.