Federal Road Safety prosecutes 122 motorists for flouting the COVID-19 protocols in Akwa Ibom

By UbongAbasi Okon

The Akwa Ibom State Command of Federal Road Safety Corps says it has arrested and prosecuted 122 motorists for flouting the COVID-19 protocols in the State.

This was revealed by Sector Commander, CC Ochi Oga, who disclosed this in his office during an interview with journalists at the weekend.

He stated that out of 122 persons, 92 offenders were Tricycle and Minibus drivers who were prosecuted for overloading of passengers and violating the recommended guidelines given by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the number of persons in a vehicle.

30 other persons were involved in related traffic offenses, such as the use of expired particulars.

Oga who expressed dissatisfaction on the high level of traffic violations in the State especially amongst Tricycle and minibus drivers, said the command would address the issue through enlightenment and dialogue with the operators.

His words, “In a mobile court exercise held on Friday and the other day, we arrested, tried, and convicted 90 and 32 road traffic offenders respectively.

“Out of the number, 92 persons were involved in overloading of passengers against the prescribed number of persons to be carried in a Keke or Minibus by the NCDC guidelines.

“The challenge we have is the rate of traffic disobedience, especially by keke drivers. From the way they behave, it is as if they failed to understand that there are other road users. We are addressing that through public enlightenment.”

The Sector Commander noted that the time of patrol operations would be extended in the State to curb the high level of offenses on highways.

On the easing of interstate travel and reopening of motor parks, Oga said the officers have gone to all the motor parks in the State to educate the operators on the need to observe NCDC protocols.

He added that the officers ensured that all the NCDC COVID-19 precautionary measures were put in place in every motor park before giving approval for operations in such places.

“For us to open up the motor parks for use, we ensured that all the protocols are put in place, for the safety of travelers even for those who are working in the motor parks. We tasked them with the need to avoid the overloading of passengers.

“Of course a bus which used to carry 14 passengers will only carry Seven now. As a matter of fact, our men are on the road to enforce that.” He said.

The newly posted commander pledged to ensure a better and robust relationship between the public and the officers, more visibility on the road and better performance among the staff