We did not ban FRSC from Kaduna roads – El-Rufai

The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed regret over the misunderstanding arising from media reports that gave the impression that he banned the operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kaduna.
El-Rufai said he lacks such powers.
The Governor added that from his personal and official relationship with the leaders and personnel of the FRSC, he has no cause to conceive such idea, noting that he has related well with the Corps since his first outing in public service.
According to Bisi Kazeem, the Head, Media Relations and Strategy of the FRSC, El-Rufai made these clarifications when he received the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who was at the Government House in Kaduna as part of his partnership drive.
The Governor particularly commended the maturity exhibited by the leadership of the Corps within the period of confusion, saying such display of high maturity is necessary for inter-governmental relations and peaceful coexistence among people and governments.
He described the reports that he has banned the operations of the FRSC in the state as needless promotion of negativity, stressing that even by legal persuasions, the state government lacks the powers to ban a Federal Government agency operating legally in the state.
I would like to put my personal apology for some of the reporting that emanated from the meeting of the State Security Council, which were taken out of context to connote the banning of the FRSC from the state,” the Governor stated.
Acknowledging the powers of the FRSC to operate both on federal and state roads, El-Rufai noted that what was agreed at the State Security Council meeting was the need to fully utilise members of the State Traffic Management Agency who were recently inaugurated for urban traffic management, while the FRSC concentrates its operations on the highways.
He expressed regret that the message was rather misconstrued to mean that he had banned the FRSC from operating in Kaduna state.
According to him, he personally cherishes the partnership between the state and the FRSC and welcomes the Corps’ contributions to the development of Kaduna State, saying such relationship could only be strengthened for more positive results.
“Let me say it clearly that we value the additions that the FRSC make to the socio-economic development of the state and would work hard to sustain such collaboration,” the Governor stated.
He described the relationship between the FRSC and Kaduna State Traffic Management Agency as complementary and not competitive, saying the state is prepared to partner with the FRSC to train the staff for improved service delivery, especially with the plans to increase the strength of the staff this year.
The Governor however frowned at the activities of some bad eggs in the system who must be properly disciplined to serve as deterrence to others, noting that he has been inundated with complaints by some residents.
“We look forward to working with you and would continue to cooperate and collaborate with you in the areas of safety, security and effective traffic management in the state,” El-Rufai stated.
In his remarks, the Corps Marshal commended the Governor for his sustained support for road safety in the country, recalling instances when El-Rufai threw his weight behind measures that could lead to safety and security of the people.
He promised to sustain the existing collaboration for greater good of the people of the state, stressing that the Management of the FRSC is pleased with the manner the Governor has come out openly to clear the air on the alleged order banning the operations of the FRSC in the state.
Oyeyemi further noted that as part of the FRSC’s sustained relationship with the state, there have been several areas of joint operations between the FRSC and the state government, which yielded positive results.
He added that in the same tradition, the FRSC has come out with plans to establish eight additional outposts and four ambulance points to strengthen safety and security along Kaduna-Abuja Road sequel to the impending closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and diversion of air traffic to Kaduna International Airport.
He also disclosed that six of the eight outposts would be established within Kaduna State and appealed to the state government for more support towards the realization of the goals.
The two leaders also agreed on a joint operation against the menace of overloading, which has become a source of concern to the people of the state.