Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has assured that his administration will not interfere in the operations of the newly established Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) to uphold its integrity and professionalism.
Governor Mohammed made the pledge on Saturday during the passing out parade of the first batch of 500 Cadets and Marshals of the agency at Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu Square, Government House, Bauchi.
He emphasized that the agency’s creation was to address the growing challenges of road traffic management, safety, and law enforcement in the state.
“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 Bauchi State,” Governor Mohammed said.
“My administration is fully committed to ensuring that BAROTA operates independently and professionally, without interference.”
The governor explained that the agency’s functions, as outlined by its enabling law, include traffic law enforcement, accident prevention, road safety advocacy, and the power to arrest offenders.
He stressed that BAROTA was created to protect the lives of road users and ensure a safer, more efficient road transportation system in the state.
“Over the years, road accidents, traffic congestion, and general disorder on our roads have had devastating effects on our citizens,” the governor added.
“Consequently, my administration presented the Bauchi Road Traffic Agency Bill to the State House of Assembly in 2020. Upon its passage into law, BAROTA came into existence as a legal entity to protect the lives of road users in the state.”
Governor Mohammed further urged the newly trained Cadets and Marshals to serve as peacekeepers, educators, and protectors of public safety.
“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,” the governor said.
“Our administration will not tolerate laxity, indiscipline, or abuse of opportunity associated with corrupt tendencies.”
The governor also announced plans to expand the agency by recruiting more personnel to reach a target of 2,000 cadets.
The governor expressed his administration’s support for BAROTA, including plans to equip the agency with modern technology and tools to enhance its efficiency.
He assured that the agency’s operations would be fully supported, and local government chairmen would be directed to assist in setting up local BAROTA offices for better coordination across the state.
Ahmed Tijjani Baba Gamawa, the Director General of BAROTA, also addressed the gathering, assuring that the agency’s road marshals would operate strictly within the law.