By: Manoah Kikekon
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| FRSC officers at checkpoint [Photo Credit: Guardian] |
CALABAR – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Cross River State has issued a stern warning to motorists, declaring a zero-tolerance stance on traffic violations with a clear message: repent from errant driving or face the prospect of a jail sentence.
The stark warning was delivered by the State Sector Commander, Innocent Etuk, during a mobile court proceeding held on Monday along the busy Calabar-Odukpani road. The special court session was convened to prosecute drivers for a range of traffic offences.
Presided over by Magistrate Eno Iyamba, the mobile court arraigned 49 traffic offenders. In a decisive ruling, 46 drivers were convicted, while three were discharged and acquitted. The court recorded a total of 114 offences, with the most prevalent being driver’s licence violations, failure to use seatbelts, and attempts to bribe FRSC marshals on duty.
Sector Commander Etuk revealed that this exercise is a key strategic intervention by the Corps to curb the rising tide of traffic infractions and improve road safety.
“Today is another mobile court sitting to fulfil our mandate to bring down road crashes,” stated Etuk. “We carry out these intervention patrols at least once or twice every month to achieve our mandate.”
He expressed deep concern over the persistent flouting of traffic laws despite extensive public advocacy campaigns. “It is sad that despite our advocacies through the media and others, traffic infractions are not abating,” Etuk lamented.
He highlighted a particularly troubling trend: attempted bribery of officers. “Last month, many drivers were convicted for attempting to corrupt our men, and this month, it is still on the increase.” He also noted a resurgence in dangerous driving, with one conviction secured this month through collaboration with sister security agencies.
With the often-dangerous "ember" months now underway, Commander Etuk announced that the FRSC has identified and will be focusing on key accident flashpoints within the state. These high-risk areas include Odukpani Junction, Okurikang, Ikom Four Corner, and the Ogoja axis towards Vandekia.
To enhance safety and reduce emergency response times, the Command plans to establish a temporary camp around the Okurikang area. This camp will remain operational until late at night, ensuring a rapid FRSC presence to address any incidents on these perilous stretches of road.