By Paschal Madu
As Nigerians commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has called on all road users to make safety a personal responsibility and ensure that the joyous atmosphere of the national holiday is not marred by preventable road crashes.
The Corps Marshal, made the assertion in a statement signed by Osondu Ohaeri, Deputy Corps Commander, Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday.
According to him, in a goodwill message marking the occasion, the Corps Marshal noted that Democracy Day, like other major public holidays, traditionally witnesses increased movement of people and vehicles across the country as citizens travel to celebrate with families, friends and loved ones.
He warned that the surge in traffic often comes with heightened risks arising from speeding, dangerous driving, disregard for traffic regulations and other unsafe road behaviours.
According to him, while Nigerians have every reason to celebrate the nation’s democratic journey, such celebrations must be carried out with a deep sense of responsibility, caution and respect for the lives of fellow road users.
“No celebration is worth a single life. The true essence of Democracy Day can only be enjoyed when citizens return safely to their homes and loved ones. We must therefore reject all forms of reckless driving and embrace a culture of patience, discipline and consideration on our roads,” the Corps Marshal stated.
He urged motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations, avoid excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, driving against traffic, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He further appealed to passengers to speak up whenever drivers engage in unsafe practices capable of endangering lives.
The Corps Marshal stressed that safety is a collective responsibility, noting that roads are shared spaces where every action taken by one user can significantly affect the safety and wellbeing of others.
“As we celebrate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, let us equally demonstrate our commitment to protecting lives through responsible road use. Let us make safety our watchword and ensure that every journey ends in peace,” he added.
While congratulating Nigerians on the remarkable milestone in the nation’s democratic history, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed reassured the public of the Federal Road Safety Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads through strategic patrol operations, traffic management and emergency response services throughout the holiday period and beyond.
He wished all Nigerians a peaceful, memorable and crash-free Democracy Day celebration, emphasizing that the greatest victory of every celebration is returning home alive.