By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NACTOMORAS), on Wednesday, rejected the bill seeking to allow operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to bear arms, insisting that the core mandate of the FRSC does not require armed personnel.

This was just as certain stakeholders in the road transport sector expressed support for the creation of a special armed squad for the Corps.

Speaking during the public hearing on a bill seeking amendment to sections of the FRSC Act, 2007 which include establishing the special squad, the stakeholders called for speedy passage of the bill, without sentiments, as it was long overdue.

Pioneer Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Gen. Halliru Hananiya (rtd) appreciated the House for the courage to introduce the bill seeking a special armed squad.

“Let us remove sentiments and emotions from our considerations and ensure that we support the move by the House to protect personnel of the FRSC and their property,” he said.

Former Chairman of the governing board of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mallam Buhari Bello and Sule Usman, SAN, in their separate submissions expressed support for all the proposed amendments, urging speedy passage of the bill for them to bring the benefits to bear in no time.

A retired Deputy Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Kayode Olagunju, who recalled how hoodlums invaded his home while he tried to stop number plates fraud in Lagos and was stabbed in the abdomen.

“I was just lucky to survive. That was possible because of inadequate protection of an officer”, he stated, adding that the argument of proliferation or accidental discharge would not be issued when the personnel are properly trained.

Another retired Deputy Corps Marshal, Charles Akpabio, recalled how as a Zonal Commander, his patrol team from Adamawa who went to rescue accident victims in Numan were attacked on its way back by Okada mob which blamed the officers for causing the road crash.

“I had to rely on sister security agencies. Only the presence of the Army and DSS team prevented them from burning me and my personnel. There is a need for a special armed squad to protect our facilities and personnel, however, there must be rules of engagement.” he stated.

Speaking for the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Dr. Kassim Ibrahim expressed total support of all the proposed amendments, saying “a robust and effective FRSC is a necessity. It is very important to protect the lives of officers and facilities.”

Also from the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Atiku Ahmed said after studying the rationale for the amendments and benefits, there are sufficient reasons why we should have armed squads as a necessary measure to reduce the burden of other agencies.

But Comrade Frank Uche of NURTW said “It is our view that the armed squad will duplicate the functions of the police which already have the clear mandate of security lives. To avoid conflict of interest, care must be taken. Also, the potential for abuse is high, especially in view of the rising tension because of the economic situation in the country”.

Mohammed Sani Hasaan of NACTOMORAS also observed the only objection to arm squads was that the work usually done by FRSC personnel are in civilian dominated areas. “If they have to be armed, it should not be in the enforcement of their daily assigned duties, unless it is just to protect personnel, equipment and offices,” he said.

Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed the FRSC operatives have often been killed, maimed and molested by criminals while on rescue missions, adding that road safety law enforcements agents all over the world are all armed for security and safety purposes. 

“In addition to the non-kinetic support contributed by FRSC to counter-insurgency operations, empowering the Corps with an armed squad could extensively deter criminal activities on our highways thus improving safety and security in Nigeria,” he stated.

Earlier his welcome remarks, Chairman of the House of Committee on the Federal Road Safety Commission, Hon. Abiodun Adesida said the hearing marks a pivotal moment in the drive to reposition the FRSC, adding that as the country continued to evolve so was the need to brace up with innovations.

Aside from the proposal for a special armed squad for personnel which he noted was not completely new, he explained that there are more strict penalties for road offences, “aimed at protecting personnel who often put their lives on the line.”

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

As the renewed hope initiatives continue it outreach to the vulnerable Nigerians, the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President of Nigeria has said that 250 elderly Nigerians in each state of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, would be given N200, 000 each from the 17th December.

The disclosure was made by Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, who represented the First Lady yesterday during the renewed hope initiative social investment program in Calabar.

In her address, the First Lady reiterated the willingness of the administration to continue to touch the lives of vulnerable Nigerians through their various intervention programs.

“As we continue to touch the lives of vulnerable Nigerians through our various intervention programs, we have come here to support families with assorted food items as we have done in some states.”

She stated that the food distribution program started in the Federal Capital Territory and that they have so far covered Kanu, Nasarawa, Benue and Ekiti States and said they were moving to Gombe for similar food program intervention.

Mrs. Tinubu advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the food items for their families urging them not to divert the items.

She stressed that the food outreach program under the renewed hope social investment scheme is in consonant with the objectives of President Bola Tinubu renewed hope agenda, focusing on sustainable food provisions for all Nigerians.

In her remarks, the wife of Cross River State Governor, Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu commended the President’s wife for his efforts and dedication to empowering and uplifting lives through her impactful initiatives.

She said the people of Cross River State appreciate the gesture of love and generosity which according to her aligns with the shared vision of building a more inclusive and supportive society, through touching lives and changing destinies.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

 Operation Whirlwind Zone C, Nigeria Customs Service NCS, has said that they have impounded 466,000 litres of petroleum product valued at N380m in the  last seven months.in cross river state

The leadership of the Operation through the National Coordinator, Compt.

“Statistically, since its inception till date, a total number of 466,000 liters of PMS values at approximately ₦380 Million has been seized,” he disclosed.

He said “This has maintained local fuel supplies while also addressing Economic Sabotage linked to fuel smuggling.

The NCS stressed that the effort has contributed immensely to stabilized fuel prices across the nation, ensuring that allocated Petroleum products reach their designated destinations.

Recalled that Operation Whirlwind is initiative of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi Mfr Psc(+) in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Nigeria Midstream Downstream, Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) inaugurated in May 2024 to  combate  fuel smuggling.

Giving an insight of Operation Whirlwind, Ejibuno stated that Operation Whirlwind Zone C has in the last one month made a seizure of 6,200 liters of PMS.

He said that the operation spanned through the entire South- South region stressing that despite the bad terrain and flooding  which posed enormous challenges to the region, the unit  was still performing its  mandate effectively.

The NCS emphasized that this effort has contributed immensely to stabilized fuel prices across the country and ensuring that allocated Petroleum products reach their designated destinations.

“In line with the three Mandate of the CGC, which is Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, We want to thank other agencies and Critical stakeholders that have assisted the unit to perform their duty optimally since a tree can’t form a forest,” he maintained.