A compassionate FRSC is better

Sir: The vision behind the creation of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) was to ensure safe driving on the highway, protection of human lives and prevention of road carnage. Over the years, however, the FRSC has gradually become an adversarial monster that derives orgasmic pleasure in punitive policies.

Always baying for the blood of the poor motorists, the FRSC has perfected the unholy and oppressive art of extorting money for every conceivable “offence”. When it is not number plate, it is “fake” driver’s licence or speed limiters. Now, it is “fake tyres”. And the organisation wants officers to impound vehicles of offenders.

Hapless Nigerians, many of whom have not been paid their wages for several months, are now expected to buy new tyres for their vehicles or perish. Where are the tyre manufacturers in Nigeria? Why can’t the Corps Marshal advise government to attract tyre manufacturers back into the country first before embarking on this punitive policy? Agreed, old or expired tyres may cause accidents but who is to blame? Where was the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)? Where were the Customs officers when “fake” or expired tyres were being smuggled into the country?

Corps Marshal Oyeyemi should stop playing to the gallery. The FRSC is not a money-making machine. The commission should operate with compassion and civility.
Adedayo Omotosho,
Ibadan, Oyo State.