Kogi State House of Assembly has moved to curb the excesses on the parts of drivers who engage in reckless driving on highways that cut across the state.
This was in an oral motion moved by Speaker Matthew Kolawole at plenary, on Wednesday, for the House to look into the spate of accidents occasioned by heavy duty trucks that ply the highways in the state.
He said the number of people such drivers have killed in the recent time is alarming hence the need for the 7th assembly to rise up and take steps to address the ugly situation in the state.
He said not too long ago, a National Youth Corp member posted to serve in the state was knocked down along Ganaja road in just three weeks of her arrival, another one killed very close to SSS office, while just last week, an undergraduate student of Kogi State Polytechnic who is supposed to graduate in a few weeks was killed by a tipper.
He said as responsible representatives of the people who were elected to make laws for their welfare, they are duty bound to address the menace within the state.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Mohammed of Ankpa I Constituency while Seconding the motion suggested that the Commissioner for Transport, Kogi Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, VIO and other relevant agency be invited for questioning and the heavy duty trucks be given some time limitation on when to ply the roads.
While the House Leader, Hon. Hassan Abdullahi Bello of Ajaokuta Constituency in his contribution stated the need for the provision of alternative routes like by-pass before placing necessary limitations.
Hon. (Barr.) Cosmas Atabor of Igalamela/Odolu Constituency supported the motion, emphasised on the need to also limit the heavy duty truck vehicles from plying certain roads.
Hon. Kilani Olushola Olumo of Ijumu Constituency raised concerns on the need for Drivers to be trained and disciplined to observe traffic rules alongside other measures being put in place.
Hon. Idoko Moses Ododo of Dekina/Biraidu supported the motion and emphasized the need to have a very good functional State Traffic Monitoring Agency to effectively and efficiently monitor the activities of the drivers on the road.
Hon. Anthony Alewo Ujah of Olamaboro Constituency suggested that FRSC Kogi Sector Commander be invited to guide the House on how to go about the issues raised.
Chairman, House Committee on Transport, Hon. Ademola Bello of Mopamuro Constituency while supporting the motion, raised complaints on the unavailability of heavy duty towing vehicles, which handicaps the State from towing and charging the heavy duty trucks.
However, after thorough deliberations the House adopted the following prayers as resolutions on the subject matter.
• That the Executive implement the contents of the existing traffic laws duly passed by the 6th assembly and assented to by the Governor.
• That Speed Breakers should be introduced on State roads within Lokoja metropolis.
• That time limit should be introduced for the heavy duty vehicles plying the road from Crusher to Zone 8 roundabout from 6pm to 6am daily.
