Address citizens’ welfare to curb rising road crashes, Asagba tells FG, states

Monarch links traffic violations to economic hardship

By Egufe Yafugborhi

ASABA — The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has urged the federal and state governments to prioritise citizens’ welfare as part of efforts to tackle rising cases of traffic violations and road crashes across the country.

The monarch made the call on Wednesday when he received the Delta State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Charles Edem, at his palace in Asaba.

Azinge attributed some dangerous driving practices, including overloading of vehicles, to economic hardship, saying many Nigerians were forced to take risks on the roads in an attempt to make ends meet.

He described overloading as a “silent killer” that endangers the lives of passengers and other road users, urging transport operators to place human safety above profit.

“Overloading of vehicles is a silent killer that endangers everyone on the road. It should be discouraged and completely eradicated.

“There is a moral aspect to it. People should not sacrifice lives for extra income. Money can be earned again and again but cannot be replaced. Let us make safety our culture by putting human life before profit,” he said.

The traditional ruler questioned why some drivers continued to overload their vehicles despite the risks, noting that economic pressures and the struggle for daily survival were major factors contributing to such violations.

“Why do people overload their vehicles? Why do people strive to make extra money at the risk of their lives? It is because of economic burdens and challenges of daily existence and survival. We must not gloss over that,” he added.

Azinge identified other causes of road crashes to include poor road conditions, drug and alcohol abuse among drivers, and the use of unroadworthy vehicles.

He stressed that beyond enforcement and public sensitisation, governments must address the underlying economic challenges facing citizens by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

“We must work hard across the board to take care of the welfare of our people. I believe that is beyond any moral persuasion we can bring to bear.

“We must try to make sure that our people have a meaningful source of livelihood so that at the end of the day, they will not be pushed to the stage of choosing to do the wrong thing over doing the right thing,” the monarch said.

The Asagba also urged passengers to reject overloaded vehicles and pledged continued support for the FRSC’s campaign for safer roads, particularly along the busy Benin-Asaba Expressway.

Earlier, Corps Commander Edem thanked the monarch for his support and hospitality since assuming office in Delta State.

Edem said the Corps Marshal had mandated him to engage traditional rulers across the country to secure their support in promoting safer driving habits.

“The Corps Marshal gave me an assignment to meet with all royal fathers and have them lend their voices to our advocacy for safe driving culture in Nigeria,” he said.

He described traditional rulers as important partners in changing road user behaviour and reducing road crashes nationwide.

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