Onitsha (Anambra) – The Anambra government says it will be collaborating with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Marshals to enforce the ban on sales of alcoholic drinks within motor parks in the state.
Governor Willie Obiano said this on Sunday in Onitsha while inaugurating 318 new FRSC Special Marshals in Anambra.
Obiano said that the new special marshals would be engaged in carrying out raids on alcoholic sales points and spots in all motor parks in Anambra.
“We commend your passion of volunteerism and we believe that with your vast numerical spread across the state, the fight against sales of alcoholic drinks and other stimulants in motor parks, would be won in no distance time.
“The government plans to achieve zero tolerance for alcohol and stimulants sales in our parks, and we want a situation where every driver in the state is sober and focused.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“With this, we will continue to pursue the Safer Roads Project in the state with the vigor and commitment it deserves,’’ the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Ejikeme, said.
Earlier, the Zonal Commander of FRSC in-charge of Zone 5, Mr Shehu Zaki, said that the corps already had a total of 17,000 special marshals, which cut across professionals, politicians, government officials, clergy, captain of industries, and monarchs.
“In realization of its strategic goals, the corps has placed improved stakeholders consultation and road use education as first in order of priority of goals to be achieved in 2015.
“As such, the participation of volunteers to make this feat possible, cannot be better appreciated.
“At this point, may I on behalf of the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive welcome you all to this noble venture of saving lives, and also congratulate you all on this path you have chosen,’’ Zaki said.
The National Co-ordinator of FRSC Special Marshals and Partnership, Dr Sini Kwabe, tasked the new special marshals on discipline and commitment to duty; adding that the corps would not tolerate any act of insubordination.
“I hope you have our code of conduct manual and you have internalized it. The FRSC is noted for its courteousness and politeness in dealing with the driving public and anything short of that would be sanctioned,’’ Kwabe noted.
The Anambra FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Sunday Ajayi, urged the newly inaugurated special marshals, to use their wealth of experience to save lives and property on Nigerian roads, especially in Anambra.
Earlier, in a welcome speech, the Anambra Co-ordinator of Special Marshals and Partnership, Mr Ben Osaka, congratulated the new special marshals for being chosen, out of the over 1,000 professionals that applied. (NAN)