6th September, 2023
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cried out to the public to stop harassing its officers on the road and accord them respect.
Assistant Corps Marshal Hyginus Uche-Omeje, the Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of FRSC Zone 8, comprising Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi, made the call in Ilorin on Wednesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Omeje said most officers are being harassed and intimidated while discharging their duty by some influential people in society.
According to him, FRSC personnel are public servants prioritising public safety on the road.
“Our personnel are being intimidated and threatened on a daily basis for discharging their duties.
“We deserve some respect and not insult. Accord us the respect we deserve and stop intimidating our men for doing their job.
“Stop transferring aggression to them and talk to them amicably with some respect. We are not dust bin that you can throw anything at.
“Whatever grievances you have, if you cannot resolve it on the road, make sure you approach their office to meet the commanding officer,” he said.
The zonal commanding officer also asked motorists to cooperate with the FRSC by doing the right thing.
Omeje said that FRSC has provisions for cautioning offenders, adding that not everybody stopped must be booked.
He revealed that he was in Kwara for the Third Quarterly Visitation/Supervision to ginger the command and for the need for them to be on their toes.
The assistant corps marshal also advised FRSC personnel to be courteous with citizens and be polite in dealing with them.
“I am in Kwara to ensure we actualise the FRSC corps mandate of minimising and reducing clashes to the 5% minimum.
“I have sensitised them on the need to be courteous with citizens and also wear human face while discharging their duty,” he said.
He also enjoined officers to discharge their duty without fear of any intimidation so far they are doing the right thing.
Besides, Omele called on the public to shun night journey, adding that it’s very dangerous and risky.
According to him, it is difficult to see help in night if anything happens unlike in the daytime.