The high rate of road crashes and arbitrary flouting of traffic rules by motorists in Delta State have forced the state sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to seek divine intervention.
According to the state’s Commander, Ibrahim Abubakar, the sector had taken the matter to churches and mosques as part of their sensitisation exercises, just as he identified Asaba-Agbor, Ughelli-Patani and Ogwashi-Uku-Kwale road corridors as flash points in terms of road accidents in the state.
Speaking on the statistics of auto crashes recorded in 2021 and first three months of this year across the state, Abubakar said: “We are now going spiritual, visiting churches and mosques. We have been meeting pastors and imams but you know that prayers without commitment from drivers will not work,”
According to Abubakar, 113 persons were killed in 186 road accidents across the various locations in Delta State last year alone.
He said 1,118 people were involved in the crashes in which 442 of the victims were injured during the period under review.
The Sector Commander said 96 private vehicles, 205 commercial vehicles and one government vehicle were involved in the accidents.
Abubakar said that the highest numbers of crashes were recorded in January, February, November and December when there was an increase in the number of travellers.
He attributed most of the crashes to speeding, overloading, and impatience on the part of motorists, adding that the Sector was now enforcing speed limiting devices as well as engaging intensive enlightenment with a view to reducing accidents.
He encouraged passengers not to have a lackadaisical attitude towards their safety on the road but insist that drivers must comply with traffic regulations.
The commander condemned drivers who used other liquids like Sprite or detergent and water in place of brake fluid.
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“Absolutely, When we came with the Buhari government in 2015 I became the minister. We were committed to a roadmap to establish a National Carrier, to concession the airports, to set up a leasing company, to establish cargo facilities and we have been doing that.”
On why the Buhari government wanted a national carrier, the minister responded: “Nigeria is situated at the centre of Africa, equidistant from all locations in Africa. 30.4 million square kilometres miles, 1.5 billion people, very green land. If Central and Eastern Africa is the belt of the continent, then Nigeria is the buckle. 200 million people and rising middle class, propensity to fly is high. Nigeria is a candidate for National Carrier.”
Sirika who insisted that the coming national carrier will be private sector driven added; “Private. Yes. 5 per cent government and no government stepping right in that company, no government control, no membership of government on board. Totally private and committed.
“Whatever we say we will do as a government since 2015, it has happened. that is why Tim Clark of Emirates, Qatar Airways and all of them are looking to go into Nigeria in multiple frequencies and multiple landing points because Nigeria is the right place for the airline business.
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