Abakaliki, Nigeria – The Ebonyi government has faulted the removal of caution signs on roads currently under maintenance by some citizens of the state.
Mr Stanley Mbam, the State Commissioner for Works, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abakaliki, noting that such acts have caused accidents on the roads.
Mbam said that the caution signs indicate that maintenance works are going on the roads, thereby making motorists to be careful when driving on such spots.
“The caution signs help motorists who are new to the state, for instance, in border spots such as along Abakaliki/Enugu, Okigwe/Uturu and Ogoja/Abakaliki highways.
“It is then unfortunate that these caution signs are removed by some people and this is adversely affecting the flow of the maintenance works.”
The commissioner dismissed insinuations that the maintenance works commenced with the approach of the yuletide, noting that such maintenance projects commenced with the advent of the present administration.
“Maintenance works on roads in Abakaliki for instance have been ongoing and those completed have been marked with road signs.
“The issue is that the maintenance works have rolled into the yuletide and would not stop until all roads in Abakaliki and across the state, are in good condition.
“The problem is that most residents do not obey road signs and the ministry is collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) among others, to ensure safety on our roads.”
He noted that contrary to insinuations, not all government officials in the state flout road regulations.
“The governor is an advocate of due process as he obeys traffic regulations at all times.
“I do not flout traffic regulations and always warn my driver of the dire consequences if he flouts such.
Mbam called for more stringent measures to ensure motorists operate in ways which ensure safety on the roads.
“Transportation companies for instance should sensitise their drivers to shun hard drugs and ensure stringent enforcement.
“Relevant authorities should also ensure more stringent operational methods to ascertain passengers’ identities other than the normal manifest.”
