Special Marshals

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Drivers plying roads and highways across Edo State, have been urged to see Special Marshals as their friends who are on the roads to ensure that they get to their respective destinations safely.
The State Coordinator of Special Marshal, Mr. Friday Ekhator, gave the advise Wednesday in Benin, while speaking to journalists on the activities of the voluntary arm of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He said Special Marshals are always on the roads in collaboration with the regular Marshals to ensure that the roads are safe and devoid of traffic congestion.
Ekhator however decried the attitude of some drivers who treat his men with disrespect or disobey lawful directives or corrections given to them on the roads.
“Our presence on the roads, whether in the city or on the highways, is in the best interest of road users. We are there, not to punnish traffic offenders, but to ensure that our roads are safe, free from traffic congestion and to ensure that every road user gets to his or her destination safely.
“We are not paid to stand on the road; rather, we spend our time and resources, including money, to be on the roads to assist road users. It is therefore disheartening and discouraging when drivers treat us with disdain on the roads​ or disobey our lawful directives,” he said.
Even at that, Ekhator said his men were not deterred, just as he assured that they will continue to intensify their efforts at ensuring that the roads are free and that carnages are reduced as much as possible.
“I want to assure you that we are not deterred and we will not be discouraged. Rather, we will continue to do our best at bringing crashes on our roads to zero level.
“I however urge road users to cooperate with us to serve them better, knowing that our presence on the roads and highways is in their interest and for their safety,” he said.
The Edo Special Marshal Coordinator who commended the performance of his men, disclosed that they have continued to post five-star performances​ in their volunteer duty.
“In conjunction with the regular Marshals and other sister security agencies, our men have continued to perform credibly well in the course of their duty. In fact, they deserve commendation.
“They have been very regular and hard working during the monthly national patrol days, during festive seasons when roads are usually busier and at their weekly unit patrols​.