The House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Road Safety Commissdj(FRSC), says the decision whether or not personnel of the corps should bear arms on duty is still under review.
Committee chairman Rep Mayowa Akinfolarin (APC, Indoor) who gave the clarification at a news briefing, Monday in Abuja though admitted that the issue would be jointly decided by stakeholders in the road safety business.
FRSC’s Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi during a budget defence meeting last week, requested that because of the level of threats his men face daily on Nigerian roads, some leading to death, he explained that the committee didn’t give a definite position on the matter as widely reported.
He said there was a provision in Road Safety Establishment Act to the effect that some personnel on essential duties bear arms, however, he argued that in view of the current economic situation being faced by the country, there was need a review on the matter.
In that meeting, it was clearly stated that as responsive representatives of the people the House owes it a duty to protect lives on Nigerian roads and has agreeeed to set up a committee.
The committee chairman noted that where a law is unacceptable to the public, it needed to be amended and this could only come after a successful public hearing. END.
