By Sarah Momoh
As Nigeria marks the 2025 Democracy Day celebration on Thursday, June 12, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has called on Nigerians to exercise caution and prioritize safety while using the roads during the holiday.
In a statement issued to commemorate the public holiday, the Corps Marshal emphasized the importance of moderation and care on the highways, noting that public holidays typically witness increased vehicular and human movement. He warned that without proper coordination and adherence to traffic rules, the surge could result in preventable road accidents.
“Past records show that public holidays, such as Democracy Day, often come with a significant rise in road usage as people travel to visit family and friends,” Mohammed said. “Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to a disregard for traffic regulations, contributing to needless road crashes.”
He urged Nigerians to shun reckless driving and to remember that roads are shared spaces requiring discipline, patience, and consideration for others.
“We are aware that the Federal Government has declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a work-free day to enable citizens to celebrate in peace and reflection. That spirit of celebration must not be marred by preventable tragedies caused by carelessness on the road,” he stated.
Mohammed further advised motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and desist from driving against traffic. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the day is remembered for joy, not sorrow,” he added.
While congratulating Nigerians on 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, the Corps Marshal reaffirmed FRSC’s commitment to maintaining safety on the nation’s roads throughout the holiday period and beyond. He concluded with a heartfelt message: “We wish all Nigerians a happy and safe Democracy Day celebration — because only the living can celebrate.”
