WHEN the youthful Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Osita Chidoka bagged the juicy appointment some years ago,Nigerian youths in particular, from various walks of life across the country, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic inclinations heaved a sigh of relief. It was jubilation galore. This was especially because they thought that since before then FRSC had been under the leadership of 'old cargoes', Chidoka's appointment would help in injecting new blood into the veins of FRSC and make it to be more dynamic, more focused and more result-oriented. But the hopes of those that welcomed the appointment of Chidoka have since been dashed beyond redemption.So far, under Chidoka who clocked 40 recently, FRSC has derailed. It has lost focus. It is no longer dynamic. FRSC has since joined the list of lawless and directionless law enforcement agencies in the country that not only terrorise members of the public but which also literally inflict painful injuries on motorists and other road users through their people-unfriendly policies and unco-ordinated operations.I am disappointed that under Chidoka, FRSC has derailed from the cardinal objectives for which it was initially established. From all indications, FRSC is expected to play strictly administrative role but it is regrettable that the agency has virtually turned itself into a profit making organisation. And sadly too, many FRSC officials, like their counterparts in other law enforcement agencies, are corrupt. It is now increasingly difficult to differentiate between the roles of FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), LASTMA and VIO, amongst others.As I had predicted sometime last year, FRSC has now shot itself in the foot. It has overshot its boundary. FRSC is now swimming in troubled waters and Nigerians are anxiously watching how the agency will survive its current battle with the generality of Nigerians over its ill-conceived, crisis-ridden and unpopular new number plates and driver's licence policy.As usual, FRSC has since President Goodluck Jonathan launched the project, been forcing it down the throats of hapless Nigerian motorists. Did the president make the much-desired informed inquiries concerning the project before agreeing to launch it'It is already being discussed everywhere that the project is corruption-ridden and that it is another veritable avenue for some smart characters in FRSC, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and FRSC's consultants, amongst others, to acquire ill-gotten wealth.I agree with such people especially judging by the increasing rate at which FRSC is deperately promoting the project.I commend the House of Representatives for directing FRSC to stop further sale of the products. How many times will FRSC change number plates and driver's licences over a relatively short period' Not to talk of the fact that these new products are being sold at exorbitant prices' Is it a crime to own vehicles in Nigeria'This is the time to check the excesses and the illegalities being perpetrated by FRSC.Alhaji Sule Oloriebi,12, Oloriebi Street,Ijoko, Ogun State.
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