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We did not authorise FRSC to bear arms- Reps
By Modupe Shodeinde
The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Safety Corps has denied reports that it authorised FRSC officials to start carrying arms.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Akinfolarin Samuel Mayowa, on Monday said what the committee decided to do was to set up a committee to liaise with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other stakeholders in the possible implementation of the Act establishing the commission.
Hon Mayowa stated that a complaint about the harassment and sometimes killing of FRSC officials on the road had been lodged by the Corp Marshal, who asked for collaboration from the House on how to ensure safety on the road.
The Chairman explained that as representatives of the people, the Committee has a duty to ensure safety on the road for both road users and FRSC officials because they are all Nigerians. “We also made it clear that safety on the road is a collective responsibility.” he added.
“We made reference to the 2007 Act establishing the FRSC, especially section 19 which allow those exposed to danger can bear arms and we said that a committee will be set up to liaise with them and other stakeholders. We did not say they should start bearing arms.
“There is an existing law and if you don’t like the law or sections of the law, the right thing to do is to move for an amendment to the law. When that is done, it will go through the normal legislative process.” he explained
The Chairman pointed out that these operatives are also Nigerians and the committee would like to avoid losing any of them. He stated that the committee only responded in order to set things straight.
“Initially, we wanted to refrain from responding to this issue, but from the way the issue is going, we had to respond and put the records straight.” Hon Mayowa said.
“Yes, the existing law said if they are exposed to danger, they can bear arms. We don’t even have the money to run the agency effectively. So, how can we be talking about buying arms for them now? Our concern is safety on the road and not whether they should bear arms or not”.
