Ogun Assembly Cautions TRACE Officers, Mediates In Truck Drivers/TRACE Conflict

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Men and officers of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) have been compelled to always exercise restraints in handling traffic infractions while carrying out their duties on the roads across Ogun State.

The Chairman, Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide made this passionate plea during an interactive session to resolve the unfortunate incident that happened recently between some officials of the TRACE and some truck drivers which led to loss of life in Abeokuta.

The House Committee members in their effort met with the TRACE Commandant, Seni Ogunyemi, Director, VIO, Engr. Olugboyega Ademeyin, representatives of the Truck Owners Association of Nigeria, State Unified Unions and Drivers Association, State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Hon. Elemide in company of other lawmakers stated that the corps saddled with the responsibility of enforcing road traffic laws needed to review fines and penalties attached to various road offences, while observing a minute silence in honour of the deceased, describing the incident as unfortunate which supposed to have been avoided.

He tasked the men and officers of TRACE as well as their counterparts in the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to be more civil in the discharge of their duties with road users, particularly heavy duty trucks, with a view to ensuring seamless enforcement of traffic and road laws.

Advising them to improve on measures at reducing road carnages that often affect lives of innocent people, the lawmaker clarified that the curfew directive of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 should be obeyed by the truck drivers.

The chairman enjoined the TRACE to do everything within its power to provide succor to the members of the deceased family.

He intimated them that the ninth Assembly was working on some proposed bills including, Transportation Development Bill and TRACE amendment Bill with a view to repositioning the corps for optimum performance, while directing truck owners to as a matter of urgency comply with the truck identification policy put in place by TRACE and avoid overzealousness and recklessness to further promote safety on the roads.