By Jumai Nwanchukwu/Prince Ejakpomevi
THE Director-General of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), Hon. Benjamin Okiemute, yesterday, flag-off the two-day orientation/training workshop on ethical conduct and discipline for the newly unveiled Provost Department and Intelligence Unit officers within the agency to promote discipline, professionalism, and accountability among its officers.
Speaking during the maiden training session for the newly created departments, Hon. Okiemute described the initiative as the first of its kind among state traffic management agencies in Nigeria, adding that it reflects DESTMA’s commitment to structured enforcement rooted in discipline and integrity.
According to him, the establishment of the Provost Department was necessitated by observed lapses in officer conduct and adherence to organisational hierarchy. “When we arrived, we noticed loopholes and a lack of respect for seniority and proper structure,” he said. “Some officers didn’t even believe in discipline. You couldn’t tell who was senior or junior. That had to change, and this department will ensure that those enforcing the law are themselves disciplined”, he said.
Okiemute explained that the Provost Department will handle internal discipline within the agency, while serious cases of misconduct or criminality will be referred to the Nigeria Police. “Our internal mechanism handles about 30 per cent of disciplinary issues, while the remaining 70 percent especially those beyond our scope, are handed over to the police,” he added.
He also disclosed that 38 officers have been selected to serve in the Provost Department, alongside 16 intelligence operatives who will act as the agency’s “eyes and ears” across the state. “These intelligence officers will monitor internal and external activities, providing us with real-time information to prevent misconduct, unrest, and threats to public safety,” he stated.
The Director-General emphasised that the training was conducted to instil discipline and ensure that officers understand the legal and ethical framework governing their duties. “This is not just about controlling traffic; it’s about building a paramilitary structure that operates with professionalism and respect for the law,” he noted.
He added that the intelligence operatives would work closely with communities to detect and prevent threats that could endanger state projects or disrupt public order. “We have to safeguard our infrastructure and development projects,” he said. “If there are plans to sabotage major works like the flyovers in Agbor or Midwestern Road, our intelligence team will detect them early. That’s part of our duty to protect the state.”
Dr. Okiemute revealed that officers who were selected from Effurrun command, Sapele, Asaba, Warri, Agbor and Ughelli command, underwent oral and written assessments to ensure competence and literacy. “This is not a job for those who cannot read or write. They must be able to communicate and file reports professionally,” he said.
While appealing to officers to take advantage of the training, he reaffirmed the agency’s alignment with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, noting that DESTMA’s reforms were in line with the Governor’s vision for efficient governance and safety across the state.
