FRSC Warns Against Traffic Obstruction During Campaign

The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi has restated the commitment of the FRSC to provide safer road environment for all categories of road users during the electioneering campaigns, warning however, that the Corps would not tolerate acts that could compromise safety. The Corps Marshal stated this today, while addressing participants at the strategic session organised by the FRSC to review the performances of the Corps in the last year and setting strategic agenda for the 2015 operational activities.

While expressing satisfaction with the current level of road safety awareness in the country, the Corps Marshal condemned the attitudes of some people who undermine traffic rules and regulations during electioneering campaigns by indulging in dangerous acts. “Electioneering campaign period poses certain challenges to road safety in the country, as some people tend to capitalise on the political rallies to engage in acts such as overloading, speeding and road obstruction, thereby causing inconveniences to other road users” he said. According to him, “It is our collective responsibility to enlighten members of the public on these hazardous behaviour and punish violations, so that people can guide against the practices during the campaign rallies,” he stated.

Speaking further, the Corps Marshal informed that all Commands across the country have been given specific instructions to check the excesses of motorists and other road users during the electioneering campaigns in order to make the roads free and safe for all. Oyeyemi also reiterated the Corps’ commitment to sustain engagements through public enlightenment programmes, on non partisan basis with the participants and organisers of the rallies, so that people can realise that road traffic crashes don’t discriminate against anyone, and that it is only the living that can vote and be voted for.

 

In line with the time table issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, February 14 and 28 have been scheduled for Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections for which political rallies are being organised across the country to convince voters to vote for party candidates. The rallies involve massive movement of people and vehicles which could cause negative traffic consequences, if safety measures are undermined. As the lead agency for road traffic management and administration in Nigeria, FRSC has the statutory responsibility to provide safer road environment for all road users in all circumstances, the Corps Marshal stated.