The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has suspended the enforcement of the electronic central motor registry (e-CMR) registration for vehicle owners, following widespread criticism and accusations of creating an opportunity for extortion.
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According to the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG ordered the suspension to allow for mass enlightenment and education of citizens on the benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR initiative.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July, 2024.
This is to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the process, benefits and effectiveness in solving the challenge of vehicle-related crimes, and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership.”
Adejobi denied that the e-CMR was a revenue-generating platform, stating that it was designed to digitalize policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigerian residents.
“Furthermore, contrary to news making the rounds and insinuations about the e-CMR, the NPF wishes to state categorically that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform but an initiative to digitalize policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigeria residents.”
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The suspension of the e-CMR enforcement has been seen as a victory for Nigerians who had protested against the initiative, accusing the police of creating an opportunity to extort vehicle owners.
The Nigerian Bar Association had also criticized the directive, stating that it was a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
