April polls: Politicians acquire police, diplomatic number plates

AHEAD of the forthcoming general election, politicians now use police and diplomatic vehicle number plates for both their electioneering and private use to beat security checks.A highly placed security source made the revelations to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja at the weekend.The source, however, hinted that the development had been brought to the notice of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Hafiz Ringim, for necessary action.This is coming just as a very senior police officer at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday that the IGP had already directed the commissioners of police in the 36 states of thefederation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to as a matter of urgency clamp down on all those using such unauthorised vehicle number plates, describing it as an illegal act, inimical to the nations security.Yes, I can confirm to you that some unscrupulous people in the society are in possession of both special police and diplomatic vehicle number plates. This is not only illegal but criminal, right now, the IGP has directed that such number plates be withdrawn with immediate effect, while anybody caught should be made to face the wrath of the law, the source said.According to the source, these special police number plates are exclusively meant for the banks, not even microfinance banks, so, any individual who converts such vehicle number plates for private use should be ready to face the music, there is no short cut to it, the law is very clear.It was gathered that such illegally acquired police and Diplomatic plate Numbers are fitted on exotic cars and pilot vehicles blaring siren indiscriminately to allow occupants free access on the highways.The Federal Government, had, last month, placed a ban on the use of tinted glass vehicles nationwide, alleging that such vehicles were being used to perpetrate criminal activities, especially kidnapping.Further checks by the Nigerian Tribune showed that it was in an attempt to outwit both the government and the police who were directed to effect compliance with the directive that made the politicians to resort to the use of both the police and diplomatic number plates.Though, the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Olusola Amore, could not be immediately reached for comments, a very senior officer who asked not to be named confirmed the development.According to him, we are aware of this, in a matter of days, we will get at these involved.
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