Kaduna State government has barred Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC’s) personnel from erecting checkpoints in Kaduna and other urban centres.
The directive is contained in a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday by Mr. Samuel Aruwan, special assistant to Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i on Media and Publicity.
It said the decision was taken by the Security Council after a meeting during which it reviewed complaints from the public against road marshals.
“The council acted following complaints that FRSC officials acted in ways reminiscent of the VIO that was dissolved by the government, following unease caused by their acts of disrespect for the public and penchant for extortion,” the statement said.
The government said FRSC personnel were barred “from indiscriminately stopping vehicles for inspection in Kaduna town, a situation responsible for avoidable traffic jam and accidents.”
It directed FRSC officials to concentrate “on ensuring safe travel on highways, such as Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.”
The government barred petrol tanker drivers from putting firewood, tomatoes and other goods on top of their vehicles, because of the danger the practice posed to life and property.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting was chaired by the governor, and attended by his deputy, Mr. Barnabas Bala and heads of military and paramilitary agencies.