CRP threatens FRSC with lawsuit over new number plates

An advocacy group, Consumer Rights Project, CRP, has begun moves to institute action in court, challenging the propriety of the new number plates introduced by the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, which strict enforcement commences on September 30.

The group, as statutorily required, has issued pre-action notice to FRSC, threatening to mobilise Nigerians for peaceful protest nationwide to resist the planned restriction of movement of Nigerians with the old number plates.

CRP, in the pre-action notice by its Executive Secretary, Onu Eke Uche, said that as an organisation concerned with the composition of consumable goods and services by Nigerians, it has become a great concern to it that the intended enforcement of the deadline on the use of the old number plates was unconstitutional and oppressive to the citizens.

number plate

The constitution

Uche lamented that apart from the fact that the action was a clear violation of Section 41 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as it constitutes an infringement on the rights of Nigerians to free movement, the enforcement will also create gross economic hardship for the populace individually and collectively.

He said: “The rationality for the introduction of new number plate and driver’s licence is greatly in doubt as there exists no material difference between the old number and the newly introduced one.

“Moreover, the overall interest of the end users, which form the bulk of the consumers, was not properly considered before such a burdensome, cumbersome and cruel decision was arrived at.

“The functions of the Commission are clearly spelt out under the Act establishing it and as such, the Commission is not at liberty to deviate from such entrenched functions or apply measures besides its powers as is stipulated under the relevant Act.

“We shall, therefore, not hesitate to file an action in court against FRSC to stop them from commencing with the disruption of movement of Nigerians over the use of old number plates and drivers licence if the directive to enforce the deadline for the use of old ones is not retracted within the next 30 days from the date of delivery of this letter.”