The Federal Road Safety Corps says it is concerned about the rampant public allegations of corruption and operational shortcomings against its personnel across the country.

The FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, spoke on Tuesday in Abakiliki during a sensitisation of the public on indiscipline, reinforcement and strengthening of command and control in field commands.

Mr Mohammed said that such malpractices were not tolerated by FRSC, whether on the roads or in offices.

“We have been inundated with calls over alleged operational misconduct by some of our personnel, and we do not take such lightly. We have investigated many cases, and those found culpable have been shown the exit,” he said.

Mr Mohammed reiterated FRSC’s zero tolerance for extortion and other corrupt practices allegedly prevalent among its personnel.

He further said that to curb such negative practices, sensitisation was warranted across FRSC’s sector commands nationwide. According to him, the corps upholds professionalism, among other core values.

“We are sensitising the personnel to uphold the core values that distinguish us from others. Two people are involved in the extortion process: the giver and the taker.

“We appeal to the public to refrain from offering inducements to our personnel on the roads. The personnel are being put at risk with such acts because anyone caught by our patrol team would have themselves to blame,” Mr Mohammed said.

He reminded the personnel that the organisation was created to enforce traffic laws and ultimately save lives.

“Our authority flows directly from public trust, and once such is compromised, our effectiveness is compromised. This is why the present exercise is a corrective measure, not a witch-hunt, but an opportunity for re-orientation, reinforcement and renewal.

“The corps will continue to motivate staff for enhanced productivity through improved welfare packages, sustained staff promotion, housing and health incentives, among others.

The sector commander in Ebonyi, Daniel Asanya, said that, in spite of the perceived increase in indiscipline across the nation, the command and its component units “have exhibited a relatively high level of discipline and professionalism” and “this is not unconnected with the constant reminder of the corps ethics and supervision by the sector commander”.

“This, however, does not completely rule out a few cases of misconduct, but with concerted efforts, they are handled adequately,” Mr Asanya said.

(NAN)