By Gift Esumike
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has tasked newly promoted officers to uphold the honour and trust bestowed on them by the corps.
The Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO), Zone Rs 5, Benin, ACM Cyril Mathew, gave the charge while decorating the newly promoted officers in the zonal headquarter on Wednesday.
Mathew noted that more was expected from them by virtue of the promotion as reward for hard work and promotion was more work.
He also noted that all staff who sat for the promotion examination, which lasted about two weeks, might have done well, adding, however, that only a few vacancies existed, thereby restricting the number of officers who could be promoted.
He therefore enjoined those who were not promoted not to despair.
“Do no despair because you didn’t get your promotion this time, there is always a next time,” he said.
In his remarks, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed charged the promoted officers to uphold the values and ideals of the corps.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed’s remarks was read by the ZCO.
He urged the promotees to shun all forms of indiscipline, bribery, corruption and other unethical practices capable of bringing the corps into disrepute.
“Every officer and marshal must remain conscious that his or her conduct, both on and off duty, contributes to the image of the corps
“This achievement is a clear recognition of your dedication, professionalism, commitment and contributions to the corps.
“I urge all those who have been promoted to see this elevation not merely as an advancement in rank, but as an increased responsibility and a renewed call to service.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. Your new ranks demand greater commitment, discipline, leadership, accountability and dedication to the statutory responsibilities of the corps.
“Our interaction with members of the public must therefore be guided by professionalism, courtesy, integrity and fairness.
“Let us collectively work to restore and sustain the dignity, credibility and public trust of the corps. There must be no compromise in the fight against corruption, and nobody should use his or her position or rank to undermine the integrity of the corps,” he said.
The corps marshal also clarified that the promotion exercise was conducted in accordance with established rules and procedures.
According to him, in addition to the assessment of officers and men through Annual Performance Evaluation Reports (APER), interviews and examinations, due consideration was given to the principles of Federal Character and, importantly, the availability of vacancies within the various ranks.
“It is therefore important for everyone to understand that, while many officers and men may be deserving of promotion, it is not possible for everyone to be promoted at the same time, particularly where vacancies are limited at certain ranks.
“The promotion process must necessarily be guided by the applicable rules, available vacancies and other relevant considerations.
“To those who were not successful in this particular exercise, I urge you not to be discouraged, disheartened or demoralised. Promotion comes from God, and the promotion exercise is a continuous process.
“Your current outcome should rather serve as motivation to improve your performance, strengthen your professional competence and demonstrate greater commitment to your duties in preparation for the next opportunity.
“I encourage every member of staff, irrespective of rank or position, to remain focused and continue to give his or her best in the service of the corps and the nation. Your time will come, and when it does, you must be prepared to assume the responsibilities that accompany your elevation.”
NAN reports that those promoted in the zonal headquarter include five Assistant Corps Commanders, five Chief Route Commanders and two Superintendent Route Commanders.
Others include three Route Commanders, three Marshal Inspectors, and seven Road Marshal Assistants.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker