CDHR Demands DESTMA Reforms, Calls For Review Of Traffic Fines

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State Branch, has called on the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) to improve professionalism, personnel training and operational management, while demanding a review of traffic offences and fines imposed on motorists.

The organisation said the call followed complaints from members of the public, its own observations and incidents trending on social media concerning the handling of suspected traffic violations by DESTMA’s task force.

In a press release signed by its State Chairman, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, and State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Nosa Overseey, the CDHR expressed concern that the purpose of establishing DESTMA by the Delta State Government was being misinterpreted in its field operations.

According to the organisation, while the agency was established to promote road safety and ensure compliance with traffic regulations, its activities appeared to be focused increasingly on revenue generation from suspected traffic offenders, citing what it described as the violent approach adopted by some task force personnel.

The CDHR maintained that DESTMA’s primary responsibility should be to correct, educate and ensure that motorists comply with traffic laws to protect all road users.

It warned that the agency must not become an instrument of oppression, intimidation or extortion under the guise of enforcing road safety.

The human rights organisation also questioned what it described as the apprehensive treatment of motorists who failed to wear seat belts, arguing that enforcement should be handled professionally and proportionately.

It further noted that the difficult economic conditions facing many residents, amid family responsibilities and other financial pressures, made excessive fines and unprofessional conduct particularly burdensome.

To address the concerns, the CDHR called for the immediate training and reorientation of all DESTMA personnel on professionalism, customer relations and respect for the rule of law.

It also advocated the adoption of technology-driven enforcement measures, including the use of body cameras, appropriate documentation of violations, a transparent ticketing system and the use of documented evidence to support penalties rather than harassment.

The organisation further demanded a review of traffic offences and fines to ensure that penalties were reasonable, transparent and consistent with the economic realities of residents.

It also called for proper management and oversight of DESTMA’s operations to eliminate alleged extortion and abuse of power.

The CDHR urged the Delta State Government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently review the activities of DESTMA under the leadership of Hon. Benjamin Okiemute.

It stressed that the responsibility of government was to promote the welfare and well-being of the people rather than expose them to further hardship through what it described as exploitative practices.

While acknowledging the importance of road safety, the organisation insisted that traffic enforcement must be carried out with respect for human rights, professionalism and fairness.

The CDHR warned that it would not hesitate to lead a protest against the traffic management authority if the issues raised were not properly addressed.