By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State branch of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), has urged the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Akwa Ibom Sector Command to continually educate its personnel on the need to respect the rights of motorists and, ensure civility in the discharge of their duties to the members of the public.
The call was made by the State Chairman, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, when he led members of the human rights organisation on an advocacy visit to the Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr. Matthew Olonisaye on Monday in his office in Uyo.
A statement signed by the State Secretary of CLO, Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo, and made available to newsmen, said that the CLO harped on the need for constant education and enlightenment of motorists, and the general public on the principles and benefits of road safety.
While offering CLO’s partnership with the Sector Command on public enlightenment, the civil society group called on motorists to abide by road safety regulations, which are wholly designed for their own good.
Comrade Franklyn Isong commended the Sector Command for working assiduously to ensure the safety of motorists and road users in the State and advocated more operational vehicles to be provided by Federal and State Governments to the Sector Command.
The Sector Commander, Mr. Matthew Olonisaye in his remarks, thanked the CLO for the visit and for offering to partner with the Sector Command, noting that such gesture would create a positive effect on the public and enhance road safety in the State.
The Sector Commander stated that, the recurring issues that the FRSC has had to face in the State are driver’s licence, road worthiness and driving against traffic (driving one-way).
He invited the CLO to take part in a joint patrol exercise scheduled for 14th September, 2021, urging motorists and the general public to be law abiding and to desist from attacking or impeding officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission whose work is to ensure the safety of motorists and other road users.
He stated that since his assumption of office in the State as Sector Commander on 5th May, 2021, he has worked round the clock to raise awareness on road safety and to ensure that motorists observe road safety regulations, adding that his officials are deployed across the State.
The Sector Commander appreciated the State Government for donating the land where the headquarters of the Sector Command is located and for tastefully furnishing the office of the Sector Commander. He solicited more aid from the State Government even as he vowed to do his utmost in the service of the State and Country.
The CLO team, which included the State Secretary, Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo; the Legal Secretary, Comrade (Barr.) Eyibio Okon, and Comrade (Rev.) David Essien, were received by the Sector Commander flanked by the Head of Operations, Mr. D. A. Irunoje, and other senior officers of the Akwa Ibom State Sector Command of the FRSC.
