TheCable

The house of representatives has started considering a bill to prevent officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from carrying guns.

The FRSC (establishment) act amendment bill was passed for first reading at Tuesday’s plenary session.

The bill, sponsored by Akin Alabi from Oyo state, seeks to delete section 19 — which empowers FRSC personnel to bear arms — from the act

The section reads: “Personnel of the commission, who are exposed to high risk in the enforcement of the provisions of this act, shall have same powers, authorities and privileges, including power to bear arms as are given by law to members of the Nigeria Police.”

In 2019, Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), had argued that there’s the need for FRSC personnel to bear arms in the course of their duty.

He had said it will allow the FRSC officers “to not only protect themselves but to also protect the citizens who ply the roads every day.”

“With the kidnappings on the roads, we actually need more people on the roads who can assist the citizens to protect lives and property,” the SGF had said.

However, there are concerns that such power could amount to the violation of human rights and misuse of the arms by the FRSC personnel.