A group, Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD) has urged members of the National Union of Roads Transport Workers (NURTW) and other stakeholders to join in campaign against extortion and harassment of road users by the police and other law enforcement agents.

YSAD made the call at a one-day sensitisation workshop on ‘Human Rights and Traffic Rules’, organised for transport unions in Imo State held in Owerri.

Speaking, the group’s Chief Executive Officer, Obinna Nwagbara, said the workshop became pertinent to sensitise and challenge concerned Nigerians to stand against the menace in the country, especially in the South East region.

According to him, officers paid from public coffers must obey the law at all times by respecting the rights of other Nigerians to go about their lawful businesses without harassment.

He said: “We remain unyielding in our position that it is unacceptable for those paid to maintain order, guarantee safety of road users, prevent criminality and ensure smooth flow of traffic, turn around and demand bribes from hardworking Nigerians, whether they are commercial or private drivers.

“Our stand is simple; no transporter or road user should be exploited, harassed or abused for undertaking his legitimate economic activity.”

Also, guest speakers at the workshop, including Dr. Ahamefula Amaramiro, Head of Administration, Abia State University, Umuahia campus; CSP Godwin Udom, representative of Imo State Police Commissioner; Barr. Ihunanya Okoroji, Senior Legal officer, National Human Rights Commission, Imo State ; Margaret Nwoko, Assistant State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Imo State Command among others, urged road users to constantly obey and observe traffic rules and laws.

They insisted that if road users, especially commercial drivers would stop the attitude of cutting corners or defaulting traffic rules, corrupt law enforcement agents would not have the impetus to openly demand for bribe, extort or infringe on their rights.