By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its efforts to crack down on traffic offenders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and has prosecuted 51 offenders, including a driver who assaulted its employees.
Mr. Chorrie Muta’a, FRSC Sector Commander, FCT Command, said this while reacting to the case of traffic offender, Chris Nwakanu, who was remanded in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief Justice, Emmanuel Iyanna, has ordered Nwakanu to face special hearing on charges of dangerous driving, resisting arrest and assaulting FRSC officials.
NAN reports that apart from the indictment of Nwakanu, Presiding Judge Iyanna also indicted 50 other offenders for various traffic violations on the Jabi-Airport road.
The Sector Commander said the FRSC’s renewed commitment to traffic enforcement came following a recent spike in traffic violations in the FCT.
Muta’a cited violations such as overloading, speeding, driving on one-way streets and failure to observe traffic rules.
He said the Corps’ efforts to reduce traffic violations in the FCT were part of its broader strategy to reduce road accidents and promote road safety across the country.
He also said that despite awareness campaigns, protests at vehicle depots and public meetings with key players in the transport sector, many professional drivers in the FCT continued to flout traffic rules.
Muta’a stressed that the agency will no longer tolerate blatant disregard of traffic rules and attacks on personnel.
However, he said joint efforts with other security agencies were needed to arrest Nwakanu after he committed serious traffic violations.
“Despite our efforts to sensitize drivers on the importance of respecting the highway code, some people continue to disregard these rules and put themselves and others at risk.
“The FRSC has identified the Zuba-Gwagwalada, Zuba-Kubwa and Nyanya-A.Y.A road corridors as notorious areas for traffic violations.
“We will no longer tolerate such indifferent attitudes. The FRSC is committed to ensuring the safety of people and property. “We will continue to arrest and prosecute traffic violators,” he said.
Muta’a assured that the Corps will carry out its mandate within the law to punish and prosecute traffic offenders in the six local councils of the FCT.
He urged FCT residents to join the efforts of the FRSC to promote road safety and socio-economic activities in the capital.
“We urge motorists to work with us to ensure that our roads are safe for all users. “We will continue to work tirelessly to enforce traffic laws and prevent accidents,” Muta’a said.
