The Corps Commander in charge of the Kwara State sector command for the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Fredrick Ogidan, has been relieved of his duties following a controversial comment made at a public event, according to sources within the commission as reported on Monday.
Ogidan’s removal occurred within a span of 48 hours after he expressed views perceived by his superiors as critical of the federal government’s decision to remove the subsidy.
This move, a key economic policy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, was reportedly commented on by Ogidan during an event in Ilorin, the state capital.
His statement highlighted concerns about the impact of subsidy removal on the operations of his command, echoing the sentiments of many Nigerians who have voiced their worries about the resulting high cost of living and hardships stemming from this policy.
The decision to remove the subsidy was announced by President Tinubu during his inauguration speech in May.
Mr Ogidan was quoted as saying in Ilorin that “the subsidy removal has increased our budget and limited our movements which has affected our operations.”
“However, the good story is that the issue is already getting attention and necessary response from the headquarters. Very soon, we are expecting an increase in our finances following the assurance from the Corp Mashal, Dauda Ali Biu,” he added.
He spoke at the conferment of Special Marshal on the Founder of Al-Hikmah University, AbdulRaheem Oladimeji.
A source revealed on Monday that Mr Ogidan was “recalled to the national headquarters of the commission.”
The source said Mr Ogidan was removed over his fuel subsidy comment, which “the FRSC management considers as an act of indiscipline which is contrary to the organisation’s code of conduct and regulations on maintenance of discipline.”
The source said Mr Ogidan was replaced as the Corps Commander in charge of Kwara State sector command by S.E Dawulung.
Mr Dawulung was until his redeployment to Kwara State, of the Technical Services Department at the national headquarters of FRSC.
Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the commission have not been successful as of the time of filing this report.
