The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it will deploy about 150 personnel to man various flashpoints in Anambra during the burial ceremony of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme.
Mr Sunday Ajayi, the Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, who spoke on the involvement of the corps in the burial, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Onitsha on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ekwueme will be buried on Friday.
Ajayi said the Command was also deploying Special Marshals to assist the corps across the state as dignitaries were being expected from all over the country and beyond to pay their last respects to the late icon.
“The corps will also deploy patrol vehicles, ambulances, motorbikes and tow trucks along designated routes as part of measures to ensure sanity on the road during the burial ceremony.
“The FRSC deem is necessary to ensure safer road during the period which will be associated with high volume of vehicular traffic.
“In addition, FRSC operatives will be deployed along designated funeral grounds as part of measures to ensure free flow of human traffic,” Ajayi said.
According to him, the corps emergency ambulance response centre located at designated routes across the state will be operational throughout the period.
He said that the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps would complement the FRSC to ensure the safety of life and property.
“Furthermore, we have directed the removal of obstructions from all routes in the state leading to Oko town, the venue of the burial proper, while efforts are being made towards improving traffic control and decongestion,” he added.
Ajayi, who described the late Ekwueme as “a man of integrity worthy of emulation”, warned motorists to ensure strict compliance with all traffic rules and regulations.
He said that proper maintenance of vehicles before setting out in the morning should be ensured.
He advised passengers to caution drivers who engaged in reckless driving or drive under the influence of alcohol.
The Anambra State Government has declared February 1 as a work-free day to enable workers to pay their last respects to the late icon.
