Benson Ezugwu
Calabar – The Cross River House of Assembly, has pledged its support for the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) through legislations to facilitate its operations in the country.
The Speaker of the House, Mr John Lebo, made this pledge on Friday in Calabar at the Federal Road Safety Corps Special Marshals 2017 sectoral workshop.
Lebo, who was decorated as ‘Special Marshal’ on the occasion, lauded the contributions of the FRSC to the reduction of road mishaps in the state and Nigeria at large.
“I have never taken the activities of special marshals serious but now that I am one of them, I will work and ensure that my colleagues in the House join the special marshals.
“I assure you that we will make laws that will smoothen the operations of the FRSC because of its immense contributions to the safety of motorists and commuters on our roads,’’ he said.
In his address, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, said the Corps recognised the critical roles of the special marshals in advancing road safety in Nigeria.
He described the special marshals as critical partners, and urged them to maintain a high level of integrity while discharging their functions.
Represented by the Zonal Commanding Officer RS6, Zone Port Harcourt, Assistant Corps Marshal Kingsley Agomoh, Oyeyemi said government had put in place measures to cushion any negative consequences arising from their operations.
“We must note that public office is a trust that must not be abused. All special marshals are insured under the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme,’’ he said.
The National Coordinator, Special Marshals Dr Sini Kwabe, said the theme of this year’s event, “Road Safety is not a privilege but a right’’ was timely.
He stressed the need for attitudinal change among road users in the country towards road safety rules.
Kwabe, who was represented by the zonal coordinator, Mr Raymond Edet, advised road users to always obey safety rules as well as respect the rights of other road users. (NAN)