Leading From the Front: How FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed is Revolutionizing Road Safety This Festive Season”

As the year winds down and Nigerians embark on end-of-year travels, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ramped up efforts to curb road crashes and ensure safer highways. At the forefront of this campaign is the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who has set an exemplary standard of sacrificial leadership by actively participating in frontline operations during this critical period.

The festive season is notoriously perilous on Nigeria’s roads, characterized by increased traffic, heightened crash risks, and reckless driving. Recognizing these challenges, the FRSC, under the proactive leadership of the Corps Marshal, has launched an unprecedented campaign to minimize road accidents and fatalities. This initiative aims to ensure that the festive season is marked by joy rather than tragedy.

True leadership is defined by action, and Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed exemplifies this principle. Leading by example, he has personally participated in field operations, patrolling highways, monitoring traffic flows, and directly engaging with road users. His visible presence has reinvigorated the morale of FRSC officers and demonstrated that leadership is about service and sacrifice.

Defying the risks of highway insecurity, the Corps Marshal embarked on a traffic monitoring operation from Abuja, the Federal Capital, through Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo, Owo, Ore, Edo, and Delta states. His decision to lead from the front underscores his commitment to the FRSC’s mission of saving lives and highlights the urgency of compliance with traffic rules.

From the beginning of the Ember Months sensitization campaign in September, the FRSC rolled out a series of robust measures to address road safety challenges during the festive season:

Increased Patrols and Checkpoints: Additional officers and vehicles were deployed to strategic points on highways to monitor and enforce compliance with traffic laws.

Nationwide Safety Campaigns: These campaigns targeted speed violations, drunk driving, overloading, and seatbelt use, educating drivers on the dangers of reckless behaviors while emphasizing safe driving practices.

Emergency Response Preparedness: Ambulances, tow trucks, and rescue teams are on standby to ensure rapid responses to emergencies, reducing fatalities and injuries in the event of crashes.

The FRSC also strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, transport unions, traditional rulers, and local communities, to foster a united front in the battle against road crashes.

Inspiring Leadership and Impact
The Corps Marshal’s leadership has inspired both FRSC personnel and the general public. His direct involvement sends a clear message that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring collective commitment.

“The Corps Marshal’s hands-on approach during this critical period has not only motivated the FRSC team but also restored public confidence in the agency’s commitment to saving lives,” remarked a motorist who witnessed the Marshal’s activities firsthand on the Niger Bridge.

Preliminary results from monitoring activities across major corridors indicate a noticeable reduction in road crashes and fatalities compared to previous years. The intensified efforts, driven by the Corps Marshal’s example, have brought renewed vigor to FRSC operations, ensuring that every life is valued and protected.

The Corps Marshal’s leadership serves as a reminder that effective leadership requires sacrifice, action, and a deep commitment to service. As Nigerians travel this festive season, the FRSC calls on all road users to support its efforts by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding risky behaviors, and prioritizing safety.

Together, with the dedication of the FRSC and the visionary leadership of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, a safer, accident-free festive season is within reach.

By setting the pace through his sacrificial leadership and bold initiatives, Shehu Mohammed continues to inspire his team and stakeholders to join forces in making Nigeria’s roads safer.

This season, let us all commit to safer roads, honoring the sacrifices of those working tirelessly to protect lives.

Governor Adeleke Grants Pardon to 53 Convicts, Including Six Death Row Inmates, in Historic Christmas Gesture

In a bold act of clemency, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has granted a state pardon to 53 convicts, including six individuals previously sentenced to death for capital offenses. The move, announced on Thursday, was in line with the recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and comes as part of the state’s 2024 Christmas celebrations.

Among those pardoned is Ojekunle Timothy, who had his death sentence commuted to 15 years in prison after spending a decade in custody. Timothy’s case highlights the Governor’s commitment to exercising the powers of mercy, as he continues to demonstrate compassion even in the face of serious crimes.

The Governor’s decision to pardon these individuals is categorized into three primary groups: those convicted of simple offenses, those pardoned on health grounds, and those granted release for good behavior. Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, outlined in a statement that a total of 30 inmates convicted of lesser offenses had their sentences completely remitted, while 12 others were granted full pardons due to their conduct.

Notably, four individuals sentenced to death had their sentences commuted, with six others having their death sentences lifted, resulting in their outright release.

Two individuals, Segun Olowokere and Sunday Morakinyo, who had been sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court in 2014 for armed robbery, were also among the beneficiaries of the Governor’s grace. The commutation of their sentences signifies the state’s ongoing commitment to addressing both public safety and justice reform.

Another individual, Ojekunle Timothy, saw his death sentence commuted after spending ten years on death row, serving as a reminder of the Governor’s focus on fair and just measures for those incarcerated.

In a formal letter dated December 24, 2024, Governor Adeleke expressed his decision to exercise his constitutional powers, citing the guidance of the state advisory council. The letter emphasized that the commutation and pardon of these prisoners were part of a broader effort to mark the Christmas season with an act of grace and mercy.

The letter read: “I, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State, in exercise of the power conferred on me… am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto the said inmates.”

Governor Adeleke’s act of clemency also involved pardoning individuals convicted of simple offenses, with some even having their sentences completely wiped out. Among those granted pardons include: Oluwafemi Fagbemi, Bewaji Sunday, Amehin George, Ayomide Arulogun, and Taiwo Oluwatobi Stephen, among others.

The mass pardons granted by Governor Adeleke come at a time when the Nigerian public has been increasingly focused on prison reforms and the treatment of inmates. Many of the pardoned individuals have shown signs of rehabilitation and good conduct, with some having spent years in custody under harsh conditions. The Governor’s actions are seen as a gesture of goodwill and an effort to provide a fresh start for those who have earned a second chance.

The announcement has also sparked conversations on social media, with some celebrating the Governor’s compassion, while others stress the importance of reforming the justice system to prevent wrongful convictions and excessive sentencing.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues related to the justice system, Governor Adeleke’s actions signal a potential shift towards a more compassionate approach to criminal justice in Osun State. While the pardons may provide relief to many of the individuals involved, calls for broader reforms to address the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, remain strong.

Governor Adeleke’s latest decision is seen as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing conversation about justice, reform, and the power of mercy.

Opposition Parties Slam President Tinubu Over Viral Video of Long Queues at Bourdillon; Accuse APC of Weaponizing Poverty

Nigeria’s opposition parties, including the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others, have launched scathing attacks on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the country’s worsening poverty levels, following the viral circulation of a video showing long lines of Nigerians queuing for foodstuffs at President Bola Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos on Christmas Eve.

The video, which quickly garnered widespread attention, depicted a mammoth crowd gathered on Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, Lagos, seeking food handouts from the President. The footage, shared by Senator Ali Ndume, highlighted the economic struggles faced by millions of Nigerians, as the holiday season starkly revealed the depth of poverty and hardship across the country.

Opposition Reacts: Calls for Accountability

Senator Ndume, a member of the ruling APC, described the video as a sobering reflection of the state of poverty in the nation. He remarked, “Queues for presidential handouts at Bourdillon on Christmas Eve highlight a sobering reality. Poverty knows no tribe, religion, politics, or region. It is a universal challenge that demands collective action and sustainable solutions.”

However, the opposition parties were quick to seize on the incident, with the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, condemning the ruling party for exacerbating poverty in Nigeria. “It’s sad that the APC is turning more Nigerians into beggars by the day. The statistics are out there for everyone to see,” he stated, pointing out that the poverty rate in Nigeria had become unbearable for many citizens.

Ifoh further criticized the APC government for its inability to address the increasing cost of living, citing the high price of food items, including a bag of rice that now costs over N100,000. “There is hunger in the land,” he said, emphasizing the widespread discontent with the ruling government’s economic policies.

Peter Obi: A Stark Contrast to Nigeria’s Potential

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also joined the criticism, expressing concern over the growing poverty under President Tinubu’s administration. Speaking through his media aide, Obi said, “It’s heartbreaking to see a nation with such potential struggling to provide for its people. The lack of effective governance is evident in the government’s failure to provide basic necessities and opportunities for its citizens.”

Obi’s remarks highlighted the deepening divide between Nigeria’s vast potential and the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens under the current administration.

PDP’s Timothy Osadolor: A Warning to the Political Elite

The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, accused President Tinubu’s administration of “weaponizing poverty” to suppress the masses. “Nigerians need to beg with a pleading hand to survive,” Osadolor said, expressing frustration at the government’s inability to address the mounting hunger and unemployment in the country.

Osadolor warned that the situation could lead to greater social unrest. “A time may come when people will stop begging for food and will go after the political elites, especially members of the APC, who have caused the hardship,” he cautioned.

Young People’s Party: Urgent Review Needed

Egbeola Martins, National Publicity Secretary of the Young People’s Party, added his voice to the condemnation, saying, “Things have never been this bad.” Martins called for an urgent review of the APC government’s economic policies, particularly the subsidy removal, which he argued had exasperated the suffering of Nigerians.

APC Defends Tinubu’s Actions

In response to the backlash, the APC dismissed the opposition’s criticisms, arguing that the President’s charitable actions were nothing new. Bala Ibrahim, the APC National Publicity Director, defended Tinubu’s longstanding reputation for generosity, stating, “Tinubu has been doing this for ages. This is not the first time he is doing it. But now that he is the President, it has become extremely conspicuous.”

Ibrahim pointed out that the President had been helping people in need long before his ascension to office and urged critics to understand that Tinubu’s actions were motivated by a desire to help others. He also accused the opposition of trying to mischaracterize Tinubu’s intentions to “incite Nigerians against the President.”

The Bigger Picture: A Nation in Crisis

As Nigeria grapples with a spiraling economic crisis, the sight of long queues at Bourdillon has become a symbol of the nation’s distress. The ruling government’s inability to alleviate widespread poverty and hunger has led to intense public scrutiny. With the international community highlighting Nigeria’s soaring poverty rate, critics continue to call for more effective governance and policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, rather than fostering dependence on handouts.

The questions remain: Will the APC be able to address the economic crisis, or will the frustration of the masses boil over, as opposition parties continue to push for change?