The Acting Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has charged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to recommit to its primary responsibility of controlling speed and other forms of misconduct on highways.

This call to action came during the commissioning of the Secretariat for Special Marshals of the FRSC, Delta Sector Command, held in Asaba on Saturday.

Onyeme commended the Special Marshals for their tireless efforts in supporting the FRSC in preventing avoidable accidents and saving lives on Nigerian roads. He praised their dedication to building the secretariat, noting that it demonstrates their unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety infrastructure.

The acting governor emphasized the critical role of the FRSC and Special Marshals in ensuring road safety, citing the alarming rate of accidents caused by reckless driving, drunkenness, and the use of illicit drugs. He stressed the importance of discouraging motorists from using their phones while driving, as it often leads to devastating consequences.

“I wish to remind both the Road Safety Corps and Marshals of their core mandate of controlling the speed and other forms of misdemeanour of motorists on our highways,” Onyeme said. “Continue to ensure that motorists are dissuaded from engaging in telephone discussions while on the steering; such indiscipline often results in avoidable accidents with attendant needless loss of lives.”

Onyeme also urged the FRSC to devise methods for identifying and addressing drunken driving, emphasizing that this reckless behavior contributes significantly to road accidents. He encouraged the Special Marshals to continue rendering their selfless services, which have earned them national recognition.

The acting governor acknowledged the challenges faced by the FRSC and Special Marshals, including the prevalence of overloading, failure to use seat belts, and driving under the influence of psychotropic substances. He called for renewed efforts to curb these excesses, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the FRSC and Special Marshals are appreciated by all well-meaning Nigerians.

Comrade Idolor Odafe, Coordinator of Special Marshals RS5.2, Delta Sector Command, expressed gratitude to the acting governor for his support. Odafe noted that the secretariat’s construction was a collective vision borne out of a shared commitment to enhancing road safety infrastructure.

The newly built secretariat stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Special Marshals of Delta State. Their resourcefulness and generosity, demonstrated through selfless contributions, made it possible to initiate and complete the project.

Onyeme concluded by encouraging FRSC officials to adopt a more nuanced approach to enforcement, using verbal caution when dealing with minor offenses, especially during high traffic volumes. This, he believes, will foster a more collaborative relationship between road users and safety officials.

With the commissioning of the secretariat, the FRSC and Special Marshals are poised to strengthen their partnership, enhancing road safety and reducing accidents on Delta State’s highways.