A lawyer warns that arming FRSC officials could lead to dangerous consequences, urging the government to reconsider.
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a lawyer, has criticized the proposed bill that aims to grant members of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) legal permission to carry firearms.
He expressed that the Bill “is deeply concerning and ought to be rejected” because arming the men would pose a danger.
He believes that transforming a civilian traffic management agency into an armed force poses significant risks to public safety and could lead to increased violence on the roads.
Ejiofor stated, “We have already seen the devastating outcomes when armed authorities abuse their power.”
Incidents involving overly aggressive law enforcement officers have disrupted the nation’s peace, resulting in the unnecessary loss of innocent lives.
Most of them have transformed their various checkpoints across the states into mobile ATMs.
Frequently, failure to comply with their unlawful demands for hard-earned money at various checkpoints often results in the premature deaths of citizens.
Permitting the FRSC to carry firearms will only heighten the chances of such tragic incidents occurring.
We should also consider the psychological effects of equipping road safety officials with arms.
The primary responsibilities of the FRSC, as outlined in the legislation that established it, are to guide, educate, and enforce traffic regulations calmly and orderly. The agency is not meant to incite fear or create an intimidating environment.
How can we claim to be protecting public safety when we’re intentionally increasing the risk of violence on our highways?
Rather than arming the FRSC, they should focus on investing in modern technology, enhancing training programs, and improving coordination with security agencies to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
Therefore, I strongly encourage all conscientious citizens to completely oppose this bill.
We should prioritize maintaining our roads as safe spaces, not turning them into battlegrounds.
It is crucial for legislators and elected officials to concentrate on the urgent challenges facing the nation.
Peoplesmind
