Disasters
By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu
For the first time since the inception of the #SharedProsperity government led by the #PeoplesGovernor, Hope Uzodimma, we are witnessing a fatal accident at the notorious IMSU junction, which was previously known for numerous tragic incidents before this administration’s intervention.
What did the government do?
They remodelled the old roundabout system into a new junction improvement system, and for over four years, no single fatal accident was recorded there, and we know the reason.
Firstly, before I proceed, we extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones or were fatally injured in the tragic accident.
While we commiserate with the bereaved families, as a people, we must not fail to place issues at the appropriate quarters and hold those complicit accountable.
Although the government may not publicly apportion blame, as citizens, we must not shy away from addressing issues appropriately.
The reason we haven’t recorded any major accidents at the notorious IMSU junction was precisely because the Imo State Traffic Management Authority (ISTMA), led by one Frank Obi, was operational and enforced relevant traffic laws in the state, putting them to good use.
Imo State has a law prohibiting lorries and heavy trucks from plying into the state from 6 AM to 8 PM. (I advocate that it should even be extended to 10 PM).
Some individuals petitioned the governor to disband the agency, and since it became non-operational, our roads have been in chaos, with drivers, especially commercial keke bus drivers, operating recklessly.
As a state and country, we have not matured enough to be reasonable, and the people largely require these task forces to enforce good behavior.
Reports indicate that the accident occurred around 6-7 PM, which is a time when heavy trucks are prohibited from entering the state, according to our laws.
The framers of our laws recognized that these heavy trucks pose a significant threat to the people by plying during active hours when people are on the road and made those laws accordingly.
The keke buses loading at the nick of the junction, disregarding ISTMA’s approved loading bays, were a major contributing factor to yesterday’s tragic accident.
Then the question arises: what do the people really want?
The government made laws to safeguard and protect you; you disregard those laws, and when harm befalls you, you start wailing and calling on the government.
Do you really think governments are magicians?
F.A
May 19, 2024
Tags: IMSU Junction ISTMA Tragedy
