I denounce the action of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who have started arresting vehicles that are yet to obtain the new number plate in some states.

What surprises one with this new number plate is the fact that it is still the same with the old number plate, and the difference is just the country's green map at its centre.

There is this ‘rumour' that the wife of a very top government official is behind this new number plate, and she had mandated the FRSC to ensure that all vehicles procure the new number within a stipulated time. However, when we look at it, with all the problems the country is facing, is introducing a new number plate the major priority for government?

On the part of the FRSC, road accidents are still occurring on a daily basis, our roads are still in terrible conditions all over the country, yet top officials of the agency cannot advice government that forcing Nigerians to obtain new numbers is not the major issue now.

Will the new number plates reduce rate of accidents on our roads? Will the new number plates help in tracking stolen vehicles? I don't think the FRSC has answers to these.

Instead of forcing current vehicle owners to obtain the new number plates, I think the FRSC should only start by giving it to new vehicle owners who are just applying for registration. It is not too late for the agency to retrace its step.

As a result of this, I want to call on human rights organisations in the country to call the FRSC to order, and the wife of the top government official who has ordered the agency to force the new number plates on Nigerians.

It is at periods like this that Nigerians miss the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the most. Therefore, other human rights lawyers should stand up and face the FRSC. Only new vehicles should be made to procure the new number plates.