BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.

Countdown to the Christmas and New Year festivities, the former deputy governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has urged motorists, pedestrians, and all road users in the country to exercise caution, obey traffic rules and regulations, coupled with being security conscious

Prince Madumere made this known while addressing Journalists in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

According to him, life is very precious and has no duplicate; we must display extraordinary caution in protecting it by being alive to our responsibilities. While indicating that security is everybody’s business, it urged the citizenry to be vigilant and exhibit a high level of patriotism, as the country belongs to all and sundry.

Prince Madumere, an American-trained technocrat, stressed that maintenance of acumen and dexterity on our roads could be made possible through the display of maturity, extra carefulness, reasonableness, and absolute concentration while plying the roads.

Prince Madumere, a business and professional human management expert, said, “We must display extraordinary consciousness, agility, capacity, experience, and professionalism, so as to reduce the level of road accidents and carnage during this festive season and beyond”.

Prince Madumere, the Imo governorship hopeful, however, expressed optimism that the challenges associated with the nation’s ever-growing cities and rapidly growing population are surmountable through holistic management of traffic rules and regulations.

The philanthropist, who emphasized that the nation’s landscape and road network are among the most elaborate on the African continent, explained that this makes it equally germane, apt, and instructive to establish and enforce road traffic rules, to ensure seamless flow and safety of the populace.

Prince Madumere, an accomplished entrepreneur and business mogul, highlighted that understanding these sequences and regulations is imperative and timely for all road users. “This is because it will not only promote safety, but also assist in reducing the high rate of road mishaps and obstructions in the country, especially as the festivities draw nearer.”

Prince Madumere appealed to drivers and motorists to maintain approved and acceptable speed limits, be in the right frame of mind, and practice cautious driving, respect the rights and privileges of other road users highlighting that these are some of the key elements in road rules and regulations, drivers, car owners, and motorists must strictly comply with them religiously.

Prince Madumere indicated that speed limits vary depending on the road network and accessibility. He stated, “We must learn to obey these instructions. In urban locations, the speed limit is mostly set at 50 km/h, while highways may have speed limits of up to 100 km/h.

“However, School areas and residential domains often have reduced speed limits of 30 km/h, to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians inclusive.”

The ex-deputy governor stressed that drivers must obey traffic signs and signals, as adherence to these rules is mandatory, to regulate traffic flow and ensure the safety of the populace, especially during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Prince Madumere said, “Traffic lights, particularly in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, are essential for managing the flow of vehicles at intersections and other relevant places”.

The Imo born human capital development expert, Prince Madumere, cautioned motorists and drivers to always use seat belts for safety and precautionary measures, aimed at arriving safely at one’s destination.

While submitting that the use of seat belts and comprehensively serviced vehicles is compulsory for both drivers and passengers. According to him, these are some of the key road rules and regulations car owners and motorists must know and obey compulsorily for comfort and durability while plying the roads.

He said, “This rule applies to the front and rear seats of vehicles. Failure to wear a seat belt can result in fines and penalties, as the law is strictly enforced by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).”

Prince Madumere appealed to drivers and motorists to desist from the habit of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances, which are inimical to health. He frowned over the usage of phones while driving and urged them to desist from the same, to avoid distractions on the road.

The economic expert revealed that a lack of concentration while driving poses a high level of challenges on the road and represents the leading cause of road accidents and casualties in the country.

Prince Madumere encouraged drivers and motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy through regular services, as this promotes confidence and comfort while plying the roads.

His words, “We must at all times service our vehicles, for confidence and comfort on the road. Roadworthiness represents an important element in driving methodology, which includes checking the condition of the vehicle’s brakes, tyres, lights, and other essential components.

He emphasized, “As enshrined in the law of the land, vehicles that fail to meet the basic necessary standards are not permitted on the road, until necessary repairs are effected for the safety of commuters and road users.”

Prince Madumere urged drivers to update their documents regularly as this will reduce congestion, delays on the highway, and avoid friction with the relevant authorities and security personnel.

“Drivers, commuters are advised to obey instructions from law enforcement agencies, such as FRSC, and other relevant government agencies. When adherence is in place, the journey becomes smoother and drivers navigate seamlessly,” he said.

Prince Madumere called on supporters and admirers to strive for a sustainable future, come together and support his vision to build the Imo of our collective dreams and aspirations, and keep hope alive, as a robust and buoyant Imo is possible through the instrumentality of “Journey of Grace”

While wishing Nigerians Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance, Prince Madumere highlighted that Christmas and New Year celebrations, represent love, sacrifice, selfless service to God and humanity, and urged the wealthy to use the opportunity to reach out to the poor, motherless, widows, orphans, the vulnerable, and less privileged in the country.

According to him, “life is worthless, without impart, we must strive to leave a lasting Legacy, wherever we find ourselves and be our brother’s keeper.”