Lawmakers call for reduction of checkpoints on popular Southeast highway

Lawmakers of the House of Representatives have called for the reduction of the number of checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway.

The lawmakers made the call on Thursday, December 5, following the adoption of a resolution of the motion sponsored by the Amobi Ogah who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia state.

Ogah in his motion urged security agencies across Nigeria to address the cases of alleged harassment and extortion on this particular highway.

He stated that the distance from Onitsha to Enugu is barely 105km, however, motorists and travellers are on daily basis subjected to “unnecessary harassment” by security operatives on the road.

He also noted that there about 28 check points on the said road and the operatives are only interested in extorting and harassing road users.

He said, “The mounting of numerous checkpoints along the expressway violates Nigerian citizens’ constitutional rights to free movement as enshrined in Section 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and directly affronts the dignity of the people, especially in the South-East.

“The House is worried that these security checkpoints are perceived as tools for harassment, with citizens often forced to pay bribes, negatively impacting socio-economic life by increasing transportation costs, causing delays, and discouraging economic activities.”

Ogah lamenting Nigeria’s approach to security issues across the country said these checkpoints are needless.

In reaction to Ogah’s submission, James Faleke, a lawmaker from Lagos State, faulted the title of the bill. He said there are series of security challenges in the Southeast and the House should be more interested in what can be done to reduce the extortion and harassment by security operatives.

To this, the House mandated the committee on Defence, Army, and Police Affairs to dialogue with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to explore alternative security strategies that will not subject people to hardship or violate their constitutional rights.

It also called for dialogue with the Corps Marshal of the  Federal Road Safety Corps to ensure that the number of check points on the roads are regulated.