The
Kaduna State Security Council barred personnel of the Federal Road Safety
Commission (FRSC) from erecting checkpoints in Kaduna metropolis and other
urban centres in the state.
The
Security Council also prohibited FRSC personnel from indiscriminately stopping
vehicles for inspection in Kaduna town, a situation which has been responsible
for avoidable traffic congestion and accidents. FRSC personnel were advised to
concentrate their energies in ensuring safe travel on highways such as the
Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
The
council acted following complaints that FRSC officials were acting in ways
reminiscent of the VIO that was dissolved by the state government following
widespread unease at their acts of disrespect for the public and penchant for
extortion.
In
2016, the Federal Government acceded to requests from the Kaduna State
Government and redesignated the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (the Western
Bye-pass) and Ahmadu Bello Road as state roads. Residents complain that FRSC
officials create needless traffic bottleneck on these state roads.
Similarly,
the Council has directed that transporters should stop loading firewood,
tomatoes and other goods on top of petrol tankers throughout the state. The
Council drew the attention of the public to hazards such practices pose to
lives and property.
The
Security Council added that these actions became necessary after reviewing the
trend, and noting concerns expressed by citizens over the undue hardship and
accidents people have been exposed to at FRSC checkpoints and from reckless
tanker drivers.
The
Security Council, therefore, mandated security agencies to ensure compliance
with these directives, and relevant agencies were also directed to impound
defaulting tankers.
The
State Security Council meeting was chaired by Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Arc. Barnabas Yusuf Bala,
Commander 1 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Ismaila Isa, Commander
453 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air Force, Representative of the Commandant,
Nigerian Navy School of Armament, Capt SM Ochidi, Commissioner of Police, Mr.
Agyole Abeh, Director DSS, Tijjani Mohammed Wakil and heads of other security
agencies.
Signed
Samuel
Aruwan
Special
Assistant to the Governor (Media and Publicity)
Tags
Society