The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Nasarawa State command, has called on politicians to stop their supporters from hanging on moving vehicles to minimise the risk of road accidents.
The Sector Commander, Mrs Faustina Alegbe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia, on Wednesday that FRSC was worried over the menace, which could also endanger other road users.
Alegbe said the FRSC was compelled to file an official complaint to the state assembly to address the issue. She said so many lives were being jeopardised by politicians and their supporters who were hanging on moving vehicles and going about for political campaigns.
Alegbe said the FRSC was concerned about the development and urged all political campaigners to make their safety a priority observing road safety and traffic rules.
She said the corps had also in the letter expressed its displeasure with the way politicians were defacing road signs with posters.
The commander said lack of a clear view of road signs might confuse the driver and could lead to road traffic crashes.
“We have written to the state assembly and all political parties that we can identify in Nasarawa State.
“Thank God, we got replies from some of them who pledged to make adjustments in their campaign strategies; which is a good development.
“Nasarawa State House of Assembly acknowledged receipt of our letter and sent a reply that members will be sensitised on the issue.
“Nevertheless, we will continue to use every opportunity we get to talk to them on the need to prioritise safety during their political campaigns,’’ she said.
She said the command was collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include the issue in its sensitisation and advocacy programmes in the buil up to the general elections.
“Our major stakeholder at this time is INEC.
“We have spoken to INEC representatives at various meetings and we have made them know that such acts are unacceptable,” she said.
