By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in Kaduna state, northwest Nigeria has exonerated itself from Extortion accusation in the state.
On Tuesday, the State Government accused the Federal Agency of mounting unnecessary road blocks leading to needless traffic congestion in the city and other major towns, an act that led the government to abolish its own Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO).
In a Statement Governor’s spokesman says, “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.”
But in a reaction, Kaduna Sector Commander, Francis O. Udoma, said, the only money collected from motorist by his Agency are fines from violation of road orders, stressing that, violators are issued tickets to pay such monies directly to the bank account, which neither him nor any of his staff were signatories to.
He explained that any officer found collecting bribe, or involved in any corrupt practice is always dismissed.
Udoma added that, what people see as exploitation of road users is far from the truth, saying the agency only impound vehicles and request owners to install speed limiting device, explaining that, out of 109 vehicle apprehended this year, only 19 were able to fix the device.
He added that, if all motorist can fix their device the rates of road accidents would be reduced to the barest minimum.
On orders issued by the Kaduna State Security Council to quit the roads in Kaduna and other major towns of the state, Udoma stated that, this is not the first time Governor Nasir El-Rufai directed them to vacate, saying it is the second time now, and they are complying with the order.
“The governor said we should quit the town that KASTELEA would take care of the town, he is the number one citizen and we are obeying his order,” he noted.
