Politics

Is FRSC’s New Vehicle Plate Numbers, Drivers’ Licence Regime Necessary?

Published

14 years ago

April 9, 2012

In the last couple of weeks, the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Federal Inland Revenue Service have stoutly defended the proposal for a new plate number and driver’s licence regime, they claim to be more customised and would help fight crime while racking in huge revenue to government coffers. Our staff writer, Calista Ezeaku and Photographer, Prince Dele Obinna went to the streets to speak with stakeholders. Their responses.

Chief Eugene Azuobi, Transporter/Cement Dealer.

It is not necessary. But I thank God for the effort the National Assembly is making to stop it. The plate number we are using now is okay. The driver’s licence we are using is also okay. So I don’t see the essence of changing from this one to another. Again, the money they pegged the new one is very exorbitant, some people cannot afford it. It is not everybody that has a car can afford the new plate number. So, it is not necessary at all. We should continue with the existing one.

Again, FRSC is not a revenue collector. So, they are not supposed to be changing plate numbers and licences every time, just to make money. So, they should leave the old one.

Mr George Nsien Samuel, Business man.

To me, it is very necessary. Government allowed FRSC to come up with the idea of changing the plate numbers and driver’s licence. They (government) accepted it, so why trying to stop it now? The Road Safety Corp Marshal, Osita Chidoka, took the new plate number to the president, he accepted it. It was televised.

He took it to the Senate president and the speaker of House of Representatives. They accepted it. When the FRSC started selling it, for instance, I have bought it. They want to stop it after allowing people to spend so much to acquire the two. So, the point is that the new plate numbers and driver’s licence are now in circulation, let it continue.

I agree that the cost of the new one is on the high side. I spent about N45,000 to get this new plate number when I bought my car. Of course, I had a plate number and I asked them (FRSC), if I could return the old plate number to them so that I could get the new one at a reduced price but it was not done that way. So, the cost is high but it is nice. I even like this new one more than the old one. The new one portrays the image of Nigeria more.

Prince Collins Chima, Driver.

For me, I will suggest that the old vehicles, already using the old plate numbers should continue with them. The new plate numbers should be for new vehicles coming into the country. It is of no use condemning the old plate numbers and making it mandatory that everybody should buy the new one. This is because if you look at the old and the new plate numbers, there is no difference, apart from the map of Nigeria on the new one.

Mr Emma Okoli, Printer.

Yes, I have heard of the FRSC’s proposal concerning the plate numbers and driver’s licence, and I feel that it’s just too exorbitant. So, I am thinking that the price for the new plate numbers should be N5,000.00, and anybody buying a plate number for a new car should pay higher while somebody who wants to renew an old one should pay less.

So, I’m not really against the new plate numbers because of the data involved. They said that they are going to customize it so that a plate number goes with the name of the car owner and I think that is okay. For security reasons and for ease of accessing data, it is okay. Although I doubt if that will be achievable in Nigeria because of the level of corruption and insincerity.So, that’s why I am afraid if it will work. We want to compare ourselves with countries abroad yes abroad it works, but in Nigeria, not everything works the way it is supposed to work. If they really want to keep a data base, they have to have another information base, where they can fall back on, assuming it gets lost in the system.

Mr Femi Kolawole, Seaman

This new plate number issue is a distraction to the country. The country had a plate number with five alphabets. After that, they introduced another new plate number with three alphabets. By the time those numbers finished, they went back to the old plate numbers again. Now, they have brought another new one. Why is the country coming up with different plate numbers all the time. So, I feel that this is no difference between the new and the old plate numbers. It’s a disturbance, it’s a stress. Somebody cannot be buying one plate number three times for one car. It is even a criminal act for one vehicle to have more than three plate numbers.

Mrs Emi Jameson, Civil Servant.

It’s not necessary. I don’t think that will solve our problem in Nigeria. We have a major problem, not that. So, there’s no need changing the plate numbers or driver’s licence. There had been several drivers’ licences. So, I don’t think the continuous change will solve any problem. It’s not necessary. It’s just to make the masses to spend. If not I don’t see any reason for that.

All the strategies they have been using to check crime, how many criminals have they tracked down. I don’t think a new plate number will help in checking crime. We’ve been hearing that but I don’t think that will be the solution to our problem. They should allow us to use the old ones we’ve been using. There is no need for a change. It’s not necessary.

Politics

Don’t Risk Your Legacy, Citizen Begs Jonathan Against 2027 Presidential Race

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

A social commentator in Bauchi State, David Adenuga has urged former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to ignore the growing calls for his return to the presidential race, warning that some political actors pushing the idea could tarnish his legacy.

In a letter titled, “An Open Letter to Former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the observer said Dr Jonathan should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn into partisan calculations driven by ambition rather than national interest.

“I write this letter as a concerned Nigerian who respects the role you played in Nigeria’s democracy and the peaceful example you set for the country,” he stated.

He cautioned the former president against allowing himself to be used by what he described as desperate political interests.

“I believe this is the time to protect the good name and legacy you have built over the years. You should not allow yourself to be used by desperate political elements who may be more interested in their own ambitions than in the future of Nigeria,” the letter read.

The Social Commentator further warned Dr Jonathan to be wary of those advocating for his comeback, claiming many of them were previously opposed to his administration.

“Many of those calling for your return today were your antagonists, those who frustrated your government back then. You should be careful not to become a pawn in a game designed by others or else they will stain your white with their ‘roforofo’,” he said.

He maintained that Dr Jonathan’s legacy remains defined by his decision to concede defeat in 2015, which he described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Your legacy was built through years of public service and your decision to put the country’s peace above personal ambition at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. That legacy should not be put at risk because of the desperation of a few politicians,” he added.

Mr Adenuga also alleged that some of the promoters of Dr Jonathan’s return have lost credibility in the public space.

“The truth is that some of the people pushing you to contest have already damaged their own reputations. They should not be allowed to stain your legacy with their soiled hands. What they could not achieve on their own should not be pursued through your name and goodwill,” he stressed.

He concluded by urging the former president to remain above political manoeuvring and protect his place in history.

“History has been kind to you. Preserve that honour and remain above the political games of those who want to use your name for their own purposes,” he wrote.

Recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a special convention held in Abuja, where delegates ratified his nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

I DIDN’T PROMISE YOU TICKETS, AKPABIO TELLS APC SENATORS WHO FAILED PRIMARIES

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The President of the Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that he never promised to secure senatorial return tickets for senators who lost tickets at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

He clarified that he only empathized with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their respective primary elections.

Senator Akpabio’s clarification was made public over the weekend in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

The clarification was said to have been occasioned by reports in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorized to be made such promise.

“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathize with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections.

“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes.

“He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.

“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents.

“While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.

“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time.

“Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people”.

Senator Akpabio then urged the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.

Politics

POST PRIMARIES: IKWERRE MONARCHS ADVOCATE ISSUES-BASED POLITICS IN RIVERS

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers, Rivers State, has congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the various political party primary elections held across the state, describing their emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by their parties and supporters.

The council, however, urged Rivers people to embrace issue-based politics and support candidates based on their competence, character, vision, and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity, sectional interests, or sentiments.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Prof. Leslie Eke and the Secretary, Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, King Ben Ugo, after its monthly general meeting at Rumuigbo, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area and made available to the press at the weekend.

The statement noted that while the council remains proud of the political achievements of Ikwerre sons and daughters, it believes that the overall progress, stability, and development of Rivers State should remain the overriding consideration in the political process.

According to the traditional rulers, the emergence of candidates from different political parties and ethnic backgrounds demonstrates the vibrancy of democracy and the growing participation of Rivers people in governance and leadership.

The monarchs maintained that democratic contests should be driven by ideas, programmes, and solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than ethnic considerations or divisive narratives.

They urged voters to carefully assess the track records, leadership qualities, and developmental agendas of all candidates seeking elective offices and make informed decisions that would advance the collective interests of Rivers State.

The council stressed that politics should serve as a vehicle for development, unity, economic growth, security, and improved welfare for the people, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

The royal fathers further called on political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process, avoiding actions or utterances capable of overheating the polity.

They emphasized the need for mutual respect, tolerance, and healthy political competition among candidates and political parties, noting that Rivers State stands to benefit more from unity than division.

The statement further urged all stakeholders to place the interest of the state above personal ambitions and sectional considerations, adding that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and inclusiveness.

The council observed that the ongoing political process presents an opportunity for the emergence of leaders who possess the capacity and commitment to address the developmental aspirations of the people.

The traditional rulers also encouraged young people across the state to participate actively in democratic institutions and leadership processes, stressing that governance should be inclusive and representative.

They reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions in Ikwerreland to the promotion of peace, stability, justice, and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State.

The statement prayed for wisdom, strength, and success for all candidates who emerged from the various political parties and expressed hope that the electoral process would produce leaders dedicated to the unity, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State.

By: King Onunwor