The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge has called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to find lasting solution to the gridlock on the Niger Bridge of Asaba-Onitsha interchange, during Christmas and New Year festivities.
Azinge made the call in his palace while receiving the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohamed during the ongoing nationwide end of the year special operations on Tuesday in Asaba, Delta state.
The royal father however, congratulated Mohammed on his appointment as the 8th Corps Marshal adding that the history and the work of FRSC was not hidden to anyone.
The Monarch, who expressed concerns over the situation said that gridlock always disrupted easy passages of vehicles, hereby, delaying motoring public for hours at the inter change of the Niger and Onitsha, Anambra State.
He pledged to mobilise the support of Traditional Rulers on advocacy campaign to enhance the operation of FRSC towards making the roads safer.
“We are eternally grateful for the foresight in establishing the FRSC as an establishment. You have clearly articulated the perspective of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“The challenges are there especially at the Niger bridge but we applaud your organisation for the role you played trying to minimise to a very large extent such incidences or accident.
“Our role is to lead advocacy just like you do, sure that is exactly what you will expect from us and also to lead advocacy as a people as the traditional institutions are closer to people and people are bound to listen more from such information coming from the throne.
“At a shortest notice, we will try to also lead advocacy along that line. We consider other institutions in Asaba as critical stakeholders in whatever we are doing.
“We try to forge linkages and try to push partnerships on what you mentioned and to that extent, we will never hesitate to forge such partnerships if invited to do so.
“This is necessary so that we can try to build up that linkage and try to carry everyone on board by working together for the benefit not just for our people but for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“Whatever support we can give, you can count on us in that regard,”he said.
Earlier, Mohammed commended the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom for His royal support on effective traffic control.
Mohammed identified traditional rulers as crucial stakeholders in the quest to reduce road traffic crashes in Nigeria, emphasising their influence and moral authority in promoting road safety.
He said that traditional rulers possessed a unique platform to sensitise their subjects on the importance of road safety.
He appealed to the Asagba to use his influence to educate the subjects on the dangers of reckless driving, overloading, and other unsafe practices that contribute to road crashes.
“We recognise the importance of traditional rulers in promoting road safety. Your influence and moral authority can make a significant difference in our efforts to reduce road traffic crashes.
“We appeal to you to use your platforms to educate your subjects on the importance of road safety,” Mohammed said.
The FRSC corps marshal said that the FRSC was committed to reducing road traffic crashes, particularly during the festive period, and appealed for the support of traditional rulers in achieving this goal.
“We are proud to associate with your domain and personality. Your support has been invaluable to us, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with you.
The FRSC boss stressed that the Asagba of Asaba’s candid advice would continue to guide the Corps to achieve its mandate.
The Palace high Chiefs prayed for peace and Unity in the country . (NAN)
