The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa, has issued a clarification on media reports that the House supports arming FRSC officials. He said the decision is not in the best interest of the Committee and they do not support it.
Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa made the clarification on Monday during a press briefing with newsmen.
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“As a matter of fact, we said we are going to set up a committee to look at ways to protect lives and property on our roads. We are saying that motorists, FRSC personnel, and other road users deserve security and protection on our roads.
“The only time we made reference to fire arms was when we talked about the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007 which empowers officials to use arms.
“That is what informed the issue of setting up a committee to look into that aspect in the first place,” he said.
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What you should know
Last week, Rep. Mayowa reportedly said FRSC officials should bear arms to reduce the violence meted on its officials on the country’s highways. He disclosed this during the 2021 budget defence of the FRSC, citing 1992 Act of FRSC, which allows the officials to bear arms.
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On Monday, he said the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi complained about harassments and assault faced by FRSC officials, adding that they have the right to defend themselves from attacks.
The lawmaker said the House will implement a Committee to ensure FRSC officials are well protected and that it takes the will of the entire National Assembly to enforce such laws and cannot be enforced at the Committee level.
The way people fear FRSC sometimes is far from the way they fear police even our maker. They will not listen to any excuse on the road if you’re caught, so what regard did they want? As a matter of fact those that drive big vehicle even fear them than V I O. Without checking motorist particular the moment they ask them to pack their money is #500.00 in Lagos old road but if it is express road they’ll never collect bribe but delay you
FRSC officers deal with traffic offences. Traffic offences are civil offences not criminal offences, therefore, they don’t need to bear arms. Many Nigerians have been killed by the police and the military now they want to add Road Safety. Is it a crime to be a Nigerian? When will we be free from law enforcement brutality?