October 18, 2024 —
The Igbo World Union (IWU) has strongly condemned a proposed bill seeking to arm officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Nigeria, warning of the potential for escalating violence on the country's highways.
The IWU, a prominent socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, expressed concerns that the bill could turn peaceful road operations into violent confrontations, exacerbating the already tense security situation across the nation.
In a press statement issued today, the President-General of the IWU, His Imperial Majesty Amb Sir Dr Mishak Nnanta (KJW, Ksm, JP), Gburugburu Ndigbo Dum, stated that while the FRSC plays a crucial role in maintaining road safety, arming its personnel could lead to misuse of firearms and increased friction between citizens and road safety officers.
"We cannot afford to introduce more guns on our roads under the guise of safety. This move would likely lead to unnecessary confrontations and endanger the lives of road users," Dr. Nnanta said.
The bill, currently being debated in the National Assembly, proposes to equip FRSC officers with firearms to protect themselves from rising threats, including attacks by armed criminals.
Supporters of the bill argue that FRSC officials are often vulnerable to violent encounters during their operations, especially in remote areas plagued by insecurity.
However, the Igbo World Union argues that arming road safety officers could fuel a cycle of violence, as road users may increasingly view them with suspicion and fear.
"There are better ways to ensure the safety of FRSC personnel, such as closer collaboration with the police and other security agencies. The solution is not to give everyone guns," the IWU President emphasized.
The organization also highlighted that Nigeria's current climate of insecurity, marked by widespread violence and clashes with security forces, makes the idea of arming more officials particularly dangerous.
The IWU called for a more thoughtful approach to road safety and law enforcement, urging lawmakers to prioritize de-escalation and preventive measures rather than arming more agencies.
Opposition to the bill has also come from various civil society organizations and human rights groups, which share concerns about the potential for human rights violations if the FRSC is armed. Critics of the proposal argue that the FRSC's mandate is focused on traffic management and education, not enforcement through the use of lethal force.
The National Assembly has yet to decide on the bill, but with mounting opposition from groups like the Igbo World Union, the debate surrounding the arming of road safety officers is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.
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