By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has issued a strong appeal to Nigerians—especially road users—to avoid drunk driving, overloading, reckless driving and mixed loading.
Speaking at his palace in Sokoto during a courtesy visit by the Zonal Commanding Officer of RS10HQ Sokoto, Assistant Corps Marshal Shoba Akande, the Sultan said these violations are the primary causes of most avoidable road traffic crashes across the country.
“Drunk driving, mixed loading, overloading and reckless driving remain prevalent and contribute significantly to road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries on Nigerian highways,” he noted.
The monarch urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify enforcement against traffic violations to help reduce the number of crashes. While commending Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed and the entire FRSC for their achievements in enforcing road usage regulations, the Sultan called on the agency to remain steadfast despite the challenges it faces.
He also expressed concern over recent incidents in which recalcitrant drivers have attacked and knocked down FRSC personnel while on lawful duty, describing such actions as both inhuman and criminal.
The Sultan pledged to sustain his collaboration with the FRSC and any other agency dedicated to the wellbeing of humanity.
Earlier, Zonal Commanding Officer Akande said his visit was intended to pay homage and formally introduce himself as the 24th Zonal Commanding Officer of RS10HQ, which comprises Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States. He described the Sultan as a revered traditional ruler and father figure whose influence transcends Nigeria’s borders, and said he had come to seek the Sultan’s prayers, guidance and support.
Akande also conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed to the Sultan and the people of the Sokoto Caliphate.
During the visit, the Zonal Commanding Officer presented a commemorative award to the Sultan. He was accompanied by the Sector Commander of the Sokoto Sector Command, Corps Commander Umar Adamu Argungu; Zonal Head of Operations, Corps Commander A.Y. Rafi; the Zonal and State Coordinators of Special Marshals; and other principal officers from both the Zonal Headquarters and the Sokoto Sector Command.