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admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Enforcing Rules of Law

Nigeria's ability to enforce rules of law without fear or favour is one of the most important steps it can take in making Nigeria a better place.

There are citizens who reside in Nigeria who flaunt the law, there are citizens who reside abroad and respect the rules of law in their host countries, but then flaunt the laws once they step on Nigerian soil, then there are foreigners who have no regard for the rules of law once they visit, choose to reside or do business in Nigeria.

All the above contribute to the problems Nigeria is faced with daily, therefore the enforcement of existing laws and the renewal of outdated laws is imperative in making sure that there is proper law and order in the country. Also, the enforcement without bias emphasizes that no one is above the law and all those who flaunt or break the laws of the land shall be duly punished.

Ignorance is no excuse, but education of the masses can better enable the nation in ensuring that citizens and non-citizens alike are indeed aware of what the rules of law are, as well as the repercussions of not obeying or flaunting them.

Other countries benefit from the funds obtained from those who break the laws, so Nigeria should equally enforce its laws to benefit from the revenues which it can use for community development and other such useful purposes.

Cxsm
15th Aug. '08

© Cxsm 2008 All Rights Reserved

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Eight Julius Berger Drivers, 45 Others Jailed for Traffic Violation

Leadership
Uzochukwu Obiekwe
14 Aug. 2008

A Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) mobile court sitting at Dutse Alhaji junction, Abuja, has sentenced eight Julius Berger's drivers including an expatriate and 45 others to various terms of imprisonment for violating traffic laws contrary to road traffic Act while three were discharged.

The sentences ranged from five days to two weeks imprisonment or a fine option of between N2, 000 and N53, 000 after pleading guilty to the charges against them.

The drivers were found guilty of reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, over loading, failure to wear seat belt, driving without drivers licence, driving without authorised plate number, driving with worn-out tyre, failure to produce caution sign, failure to produce prescribe fire extinguisher, making calls while driving and use of extra seat by commercial buses.

The prosecuting counsel, Barrister Rems Umeha, told the court that the offence contravened a section of the road traffic Act and urged the court to trial the summary. The trial magistrate, Emmanuel Iyanna said the essence of the exercise is not a punitive measure to drivers but to enforce discipline, reduce carnage on the roads and on the city high way and serve as deterrent to other road users.

"Any driver that failed to pay the stipulated fine and attend the mandatory 45 minutes public enlightment to sensitize them on the essential of road safety and how to exhibit discipline on the high way, would have his vehicle impounded," he said.

Among the 8 JBN drivers convicted, Ruseh Gerd (expatriate) was convicted for two weeks imprisonment or fine option of N3, 000 , while Omomoh Aliyu was sentenced to five days imprisonment with hard labour, a fine of N6,000 for not knowing what cautious sign means and to go for Psychiatric test with two of his colleagues to ascertain their mental stability before regaining their driver's license confiscated by the court.

Meanwhile, the FCT Sector Commander, Nserbong Akpabio at the court sitting said, the Commission has perfected plans for all trucks drivers to go for Alcoholic test every month. He said the purpose is to ensure that every truck driver whether from construction company or not is devoid of any stimulant while driving on the road and maintain safety.

"FRSC has the instrument (equaliser) to determine the level of alcoholic in every driver and every truck driver must attend the test. Anyone found guilty will not be allowed to drive," he said. He said the construction companies have agree to forward their driver's history to the commission to enable them know their life and medical history and that the companies will open a safety management office to be approved by the commission.

He said, the Corp Marshal, Osita Chidoka has directed all the construction companies to stop conveying their workers with container and has requested for time to enable them faze the container trucks out, stressing that FCT command will apply the law strictfully.

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm