NAN-DS-1
Safety
By Deborah Ogedemgbe
Benin, May, 3, 2017(NAN) Mr Friday Ekhator, Edo Coordinator, Special Marshal Unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps [FRSC], has decried the growing hostile attitude of some motorists in the state to traffic officers.
He said that such motorists should imbibe positive attitude and regard road marshals not as foes, but as friends working to ensure the safety of road users.
Ekhator told newsmen in Benin on Wednesday that those harassing traffic officers were particularly hard on special marshals.
He said the special marshals were volunteers assisting FRSC officials to reduce traffic congestion and ensure general safety of road users.
Ekhator, therefore, urged motorists to support the special marshals by obeying lawful directives.
“Our presence on the road, whether in the city or on the highways, is in the best interest of road users.
“We are there not to punish traffic offenders, but to ensure that our roads are safe, free from traffic congestion and every road user gets to his or her destination safely.
“We are not paid to stand on the road, rather, we spend our time and resources to ensure safer roads for all road users.
“ It is therefore disheartening and discouraging when drivers treat us with disdain on the road or disobey our lawful directives,” he said.
The coordinator said in spite of the threats, the special marshals would not be deterred from carrying out their duties.
“I want to assure you that we are not deterred and we will not be discouraged, rather, we will continue to do our best at bringing crashes on our roads to zero level.
“I however urge road users to cooperate with us to serve them better, knowing that our presence on the roads and highways is in their interest and for their safety,” he said.(NAN)
DCO/KOO/MZA
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Maharazu Ahmed