The NMA also asked for prompt construction and maintenance of roads.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Federal Government to constitute an official inquiry into the road accident that claimed the life of Festus Iyayi.
The association also called on the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) to put to an end to reckless driving of convoys on Nigerian roads.
The President of the association, Osahon Enabulele, made the call on Monday in Benin City shortly after he led a delegation of the association on a condolence visit to the family of the late Mr. Iyayi.
He described the late former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a “courageous fighter’’ who had always fought for justice.
“He was an unrepentant crusader for the restoration of standards and excellence in university education.
“While we mourn the sad and tragic death of this dogged and courageous fighter for socio-economic and political justice in Nigeria, we are pained that his death followed another despicable act of recklessness and impunity by executive convoys.
“The NMA calls on the Federal Government to institute an urgent official inquiry into the circumstances that led to Prof. Festus Iyayi’s death.
“The Federal Road Safety Commission should put machinery in motion to put an end to the recklessness of executive convoys whose intolerable impunity has sent many innocent and productive Nigerians to their early graves,” he said.
Mr. Enabulele urged the Federal Government to fast-track repairs and completion of the dual carriage Abuja-Lokoja-Benin highway.
“We restate our call on governments at federal, state and local government levels to be more committed to the development of the transport system.
“They can do this by fixing and regularly maintaining the several bad roads and death traps that are on Nigeria’s highways and landscape,” he said.
The NMA president said that Nigeria and the academia would miss Mr. Iyayi’s inspirational literary works and frank contributions to the resolution of several questions bordering the existence of the Nigerian state.
“While we hope this will be the last act of recklessness of executive convoys, we pray for the speedy recovery and perfect healing of all those who suffered various degrees of bodily injury,” he said.
Mr. Enabulele urged the family of the deceased to take consolation in the fact that the late activist lived a good life with many accomplishments that many people would wish to achieve in life.
Responding on behalf of the family, the son of late Mr. Iyayi, Oriabure Iyayi, thanked the association for the visit and expressed hope that the NMA would continue to uphold the ideals of the struggle.
“I hope your association will continue with your current efforts to give voice to the voiceless, healthcare for ordinary Nigerians and fight for the common interest of the masses which my father fought and died for,” he said.
(NAN)
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