Benin – The Edo House of Assembly has called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to as a matter of urgency, put all necessary road signs in place on the Benin-Lagos highway, to avert avoidable accidents.
This is contained in a resolution passed by the House yesterday in Benin.
The resolution was sequel to a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by Mr Sunday Osazemwinde, member representing Ovia North East 1, on the accident that claimed the lives of two UNIBEN undergraduate students on July 19.
Moving the motion, Osazemwinde said the accident would have been averted if all road signs were put in place.
“Mr Speaker, the accident that occurred on the Benin-Lagos expressway by the UNIBEN gate in Benin would have been averted if the relevant authorities were alive to their responsibilities.
“In the past, there used to be a pedestrian bridge opposite the UNIBEN main gate but as we speak, it is no longer there.
“The students have resorted to crossing the expressway and risk being knocked down by motorists,’’ he said.
Osazemwinde called on the Federal Ministry of Works, the state Ministry of Transport and the Department of Works at the University of Benin, to put speed breakers, a pedestrian bridge and warning signs, amongst others, on the portion where UNIBEN is located, to avoid accidents.
Other lawmakers, who described the incident as pathetic, called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to sensitise road users and the general public, on the need to erect appropriate road signs on public roads.
The House also called on the Nigeria Army to take full responsibility of the accident victim, who is now in the hospital, in addition to taking care of the funeral costs of the deceased.
The speaker, Victor Edoror, therefore, directed that copies of the Assembly’s resolution should be sent to the Nigeria Army, UNIBEN, and Federal Ministry of Works, amongst others, for immediate action.
Also, a bill for a law to make provision for the establishment of a commission for persons with disabilities passed through the first reading, on the floor of the House