By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has urged Ebonyi people to ensure safe ‘Ember Months’ by observing traffic regulations on the state’s roads.
Nwifuru made the call in a message to the flagging-off the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ember Months safety campaign in Abakaliki.
The governor represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike said that the ember months usually record high vehicular movements.
“Many people travel especially during the Christmas and New Year periods to visit loved ones and celebrate the yuletide.
“This increase in vehicular movements elicits the need for caution and safety to avoid road accidents with its attendant effects”.
He commended the FRSC for its continued role in ensuring safety of lives on the state’s roads.
“The theme of this year’s flag-off ‘Speed thrills but kills: drive responsibly and overloading’ is indeed significant.
“The state government will continue partnering with the FRSC to protect the lives of people on our roads.
Nwifuru noted that under his people’s ‘charter of needs’ mantra, his government has consolidated the existing road facilities in the state.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Ebonyi, Henry Igwe said the occasion was a replication of the national ember months campaign flag-off.
“During the ember months, we heighten our travel advisory and road safety campaign while mobilising the corp’s workforce for a successful exercise.
“We will collaborate with the armed forces, police, NSCDC, ambulance service providers among others to ensure safety on the roads within the period.
He noted that the FRSC will continue implementing measures to make motorists stop excessive speeding, overloading, drunk-driving, driving under influence of alcohol among others.
Mr Kalu Ukah, Ebonyi Chief Vehicle Officer said that the office has a procedure of conducting tests for drivers and the road-worhiness of their vehicles.
Good will messages were delivered on the occasion by sister-security agencies, traditional rulers, road transport stakeholders among others.
