Road Crash: Eze Iweka Demands Removal of Demarcation Slab on Expressway

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to quickly ensure that a demarcation slab abandoned along Onitsha-Asaba Expressway by a Construction company over 5 years ago be removed saying that it has caused several road accidents endangering lives of unsuspecting road users.

Eze Iweka III made the request at his palace, Obosi Community, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State immediately after his investiture as an Honorary Special Marshall (HSM) by the FRSC Corp Marshall, Shehu Mohammed saying that he was an eye witness to a ghastly motor accident when a vehicle that was about overtaking another vehicle rammed into the abandoned demarcation slab that was left beside the normal demarcation along the center of the road.

In a quick response, the FRSC Corp Marshall who was ably represented by Deputy Corp Marshall, Chidi B. Nkwonta directed the Zonal Commanding Officer Zone 5 in charge of Edo, Delta and Anambra, ACM Stella Orakwue to facilitate the immediate removal of the abandoned slab within the next three days thanking Igwe Chidubem Iweka for his concern for the well being of road users within Obosi, Anambra State and beyond.

Earlier in his address while decorating Eze Iweka III with the Honorary Special Marshall, the FRSC Corp Marshall said that the HSM status was different from regular corp marshalls, which is the second arm of the FRSC made up of volunteers.

“Honorary Special Marshal is the highest recognition of the Corps to individuals of outstanding stature and societal influence. It is given to leaders whose characters, integrity, and service have made them symbols of inspiration and whose voices can champion the cause of road safety and public discipline for the good of all.

“Equally, your concern for the well being of road users within Obosi and beyond has not gone unnoticed. Through sensitization, community mobilization and your personal example,you have demonstrated a rare passion for preventing road traffic crashes and saving lives.

“These are the very values that define an Honorable Special Marshal: discipline, selflessness, integrity and service to humanity. It is on these attributes, your Royal highness, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, that the FRSC has deemed it fit and proper to confer upon you this distinguished honour .

“We believe that your influence, wisdom and leadership will further inspire your subjects to embrace safe road practices, respect traffic laws, and value life above haste”.

“As we present this honour to you today, we also reaffirm our partnership with you and the Obosi kingdom in building safer roads , safer communities and a safer Nigeria.”

However ,Igwe Chidubem Iweka who said he had commenced work without delay thanked the FRSC management for finding him worthy to be conferred with such honour and pledged to abide by the rules governing FRSC

He also commended the Corp Marshall representative for recognizing the landmark innovations and achievements made by the former FRSC Corp Marshall, Chief Osita Chidoka, a worthy, illustrious son of Obosi community when he led the FRSC.

Speaking, the Anambra State Coordinator, Special Corps Marshal, Mr Michael Ogbusa said that Igwe Chidubem Iweka as chairman of Anambra State traditional rulers Council, merited the title coupled with his contribution to road safety.

Moreso, Chief Chibuzor Okeke Onataludikemma, expressed satisfaction with the honour given to Igwe Obosi saying that he is equal to the task.Okeke commended the FRSC for finding him worthy to be so honoured adding that Igwe Iweka is always interested in the welfare of humanity.

Also, former Chairman Ime Obosi Youths, Nze Tochukwku Obienu, Ezenyeaku Ugoeju ,the incumbent chairman of Ime Obosi youths, Nduka Chijindu, expressed satisfaction with the honoured accorded to their monarch adding that it is an honour well deserved. ” More honors are still coming his way because Igwe has sown peace and will reap the reward of his good labour”

Highlight of the investiture include the presentation of autographed books authored by Eze Iweka III to the representatives of the FRSC Corp Marshall.

Other Dignitaries present include,Anambra State Sector Commander , CC Joyce Alexander, Igwe and Ndiichie’ Obosi, Ndi Iyom Obosi Youth Leaders, Dame Dr. Vivian Ezigbo Onwukwe Mmiliaku among others.