Stop ‘hanging’ on moving vehicles, FRSC tells political campaigners

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Nasarawa State command, has
called on politicians to stop their supporters from hanging on
moving vehicles to minimise the risk of road accidents.

The Sector Commander, Mrs Faustina Alegbe, told the News Agency
of Nigeria in Lafia, on Wednesday that FRSC was worried over the
menace, which could also endanger other road users.

Alegbe said the FRSC was compelled to file an official complaint
to the state assembly to address the issue.

She said so many lives were being jeopardised by politicians and
their supporters who were hanging on moving vehicles and going
about for political campaigns.

Alegbe said the FRSC was concerned about the development and
urged all political campaigners to make their safety a priority
observing road safety and traffic rules.

She said the corps had also in the letter expressed its
displeasure with the way politicians were defacing road signs with
posters.

The commander said lack of a clear view of road signs might
confuse a driver and could lead to crashes.

“We have written to the state assembly and all political parties
that we can identify in Nasarawa State.

“Thank God, we got replies from some of them who pledged to make
adjustments in their campaign strategies; which is a good
development.

“Nasarawa State House of Assembly acknowledged receipt of our
letter and sent a reply that members will be sensitised on the
issue.

“Nevertheless, we will continue to use every opportunity we get
to talk to them on the need to prioritise safety during their
political campaigns,’’ she said.

She said the command was collaborating with the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include the issue in its
sensitisation and advocacy programmes in the build-up to the
general elections.

“Our major stakeholder at this time is INEC.

“We have spoken to INEC representatives at various meetings and
we have made them know that such acts are unacceptable,” she
said.

(NAN)