FRSC Begins Sensitisation On New Drivers Licence

The  Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Rivers State Command has flagged-off the nationwide new commercial drivers licence enlightenment campaign at Abali Park, Port Harcourt on Monday  with a charge for all drivers  to be competent, medically fit, sufficiently knowledgeable  of traffic rules and regulations as well as obtain  certificate of professional competence for drivers (CPCD) from accredited certified driving school.

The Corps commander, Mr. Kayode Olagunju who dropped the hint during the enlightenment campaign said applicants for the new licence must be competent and  demonstrate the ability to operate varied commercial vehicles, visually a sound,   healthy  and have passed theory  and practical  test on driving, warning all drivers not to patronise quacks in obtaining the new drivers licences.

Mr. Olagunju, who was  represented by the Deputy Corps Commander,  Mr Frank Okwueze disclosed  that prio to the uniformity in drivers licence, there had been a plettora of safety and enforcement challenges relating  to vehicles and drivers, which he said ranges from multiple licences, obtaining of licence if original was seized,  no data base of issuance across the country  and licences issued to both the blind and limbless.

According to him, the National Uniform Licencing Scheme was introduced  in 1990 to harmonise  and unite all existing models of driver’s licences and  vehicles nationwide, adding  that the Federal Government had been losing a huge revenue to the state due to forgery  adding  that the new licence  cost N6,350.00 only, appealing to all drivers to co-operate.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. George Tolofari  thanked  the FRSC in the state for such a sensitisation  programme, describing it as laudable.

Mr. Tolofari, who was represented by  Permanent  Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Somiari Isaac Harry pleaded with the drivers to be cautious during the yuletide, obey all road signs and ensure they have all the necessary documents with them to avoid any embarrassment  on the  road.

He reiterated that all unpainted commercial and recketee vehicles would be impounded,  and called on such owners  to comply by January 2013 or face the wrath of the law, stressing that the Ministry is ready to synergise with   drivers to work as a team, thanking the organizers for the eye test and  sensitisation.

In his speech, the chief vehicle inspection officer (VIO), Rivers State, Chief Slyvanus Dappa charges the drivers to obey the laws so that VIOs would be their friend on the road and always keep their vehicles in road worthiness.

Chief Dappa also enjoined them to be  safety conscious, dress neatly and always ensure that they bring their new vehicles for necessary   documentation  before registration, and  thanked  FRSC for the programme.

The chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Abali Park unit, Chief Bethel Dappa in his own  remarks  also thanked the organisers for the sensitisation and  enjoined the drivers not to patronise second hand tyres and don’t  drink before driving, and called on the police to arrest any one selling alcohol at parks.

The occasion was attended by stakeholders.

Corlins Walter & Vivian Christian