By Yemi Balogun
Sequel to the directive handed down by the executive governor of kogi state,Alhaji Yahaya Bello,In a bid to find a lasting solution to the frequent and unfortunate mishap in Lokoja,Felele express,The Ministry of Transportation has called on all road traffic officers in the state to sit up and man their duty posts effectively.
At a critical stakeholders meeting held at the Ministry of Transportation, the commissioner for Transportation,Honourable Baron Okwoli says all hands must be on desk henceforth to avert the frequent accidents happening on the major roads which has continued to claim the lives of scores of people.
According to Okwoli,the stake holders’ meeting was necessitated on the need to brainstorm on the way forward to avert a reoccurrence of mishap in Lokoja especially Felele axis, which has cost Kogi monumental loss of lives and properties.
The Commissioner also tasked all security agents in the state to braze up adding that,the peak period of the year has called on us.
He warned motorcycle and tricycle riders to avoid using the fast lane to prevent reoccurrence of accidents.
Stakeholders who were drawn from the Transport sub-sector of the State decried the current state of the road,suggesting that, speed breakers should be put in place.
Parts of the resolutions by stakeholders are; the construction of shoulder roads,bus stop for motorcycle and tricycle (Keke na pep) riders, prevent motorcycle riders ( Okada) from using the high ways.
Other resolutions are,time restrictions for heavy trucks and vehicles, creation of check points before NNPC to check heavy duty trucks.
They also advocated exit roads which is known as ‘bye-pass’ in other states as well as laws that would prevent traffic officers (VIO and KOTRAMA) from interference of duties.
Meanwhile,the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps ,FRSC Idris Fika appealed to citizens to always allow safety officials carry out rescue activities should accident occurs.
While he condemns the hostile behaviours of those at the accident scene in Felele,Fika urged residence to desist from attacking and destroying vehicles of rescue teams at accident scenes.
He urged drivers to take advantage of the free driver’s trainings as parts of efforts to reduce road hazards.
Fika however reiterates the command’s resolve to ensure that road users comply to the laid down rules and regulations warning that,road side packing and loitering of vehicles are serious offences punishable under law.
In his vote of thanks,the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Alhaji Okeme Jibrail enjoined stakeholders to always cooperate and synergize with the ministry where neccesary as well as continue to pray for the state government and the Ministry of Transportation.
Highpoint of the meeting was the observation of one minute silence for the departed souls.
END.
Yemi Balogun
Public Relations Officer,
Ministry of Transportation.
