Over the years, road accidents, traffic congestion and general disorder on our roads have had devastating effects on our citizens
By Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has pledged that his administration will never interfere in the operations of the newly established Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency, BAROTA, to maintain honesty and professionalism in the discharge of their assigned duties.
The governor explained that the establishment of BAROTA was conceived out of the urgent need to address the growing challenges of road traffic management, safety, and law enforcement in the state.
Speaking at the passing out parade of the first batch of 500 cadets and marshals of BAROTA in Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasised that it was established with a clear mandate to tackle the many challenges facing road transport sector.
According to him, the agency’s functions which are wide-ranging include, traffic law enforcement, accident prevention and investigation, road safety awareness and advocacy as the enabling law of BAROTA has given powers to its operatives to arrest any person suspected of committing or having committed an offence under the Law.
Others are to impound any vehicle by which an offence under the Law is reasonably suspected to have been committed until the case is determined or disposed of, towing away and park impounded vehicles in designated parks.
“Over the years, road accidents, traffic congestion and general disorder on our roads have had devastating effects on our citizens. Consequently, my administration presented the Bauchi Road Traffic Agency Bill to the State House of Assembly in 2020 to enact a law to address the problem. Upon passing the bill into law, I assented to it which brought BAROTA into existence as a legal entity to protect the lives of road users in the State.
“Today’s occasion is indeed a landmark in our journey towards entrenching a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable road transportation system in our state. I wish to congratulate each and every one of the 500 Cadets and Marshals who have completed their rigorous training. Your training has prepared you to serve a new generation of leaders entrusted with the monumental task of ensuring safer roads for all road users in Bauchi State.”
He cautioned the Cadets and Marshals of BAROTA that they have been entrusted with the power to enforce the law in accordance with international best practice and therefore their duties are to serve as peace keepers, educators, and protectors of public’s safety.
Governor Bala Mohammed assured that the establishment of BAROTA is not a one-time effort as his administration remains fully committed to supporting the agency in every way possible including equipping BAROTA with modern technology and tools to enhance efficiency.
“Let me assure the good people of Bauchi State that as a government, we are resolute in our vision to employ more youth to reach our target of 2000 of the cadets/marshals. This policy initiative is in line with our priority in human capital development through economic empowerment and engagement, especially of our teeming youth.I urge you to serve with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Each life saved and each accident prevented will be a direct result of your dedication and commitment.
“Our administration will not tolerate laxity, indiscipline and abuse of opportunity, usually associated with corrupt tendency and lackadaisical attitude on the part of our youth.”