* Amid complaints of delays, intimidation, extortion
House of Representatives, on Thursday, urged security agencies to reduce the number of checkpoints on the Enugu-Onitsha highway.
The directive followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep Amobi Ogah during plenary season presided over by the Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abbas.
While moving the motion, Rep Ogah noted that Nigeria’s security agencies, including the Nigeria Army, Police Force, and FRSC, mount multiple checkpoints on the major road, which is approximately 100 km.
He said that the distance between Onitsha and Enugu is approximately 105 kilometers with about 28 security checkpoints, an average of 3.7 km each.
He listed the locations as follows: Awkuzu Junction, Amawbia Junction, Ugwuoba Boundary, Oji River Junction, and Onyeama Hill thus subjecting travelers to constant harassment, delays, and extortion.
He also noted that 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 lawmaker said: “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.
“The current approach to security, which involves increasing excessive checkpoints is
detrimental to the region’s economic stability and it’s counterproductive;
Also cognizant of the need to advocate for modern, efficient security methods that do not cause hardship or violate constitutional rights of Nigerians.
When the motion was put into voice vote, it was unanimously supported by members.
The Speaker after the adoption of the motion, referred the matter to the House Committees on Security and Intelligence, Army, Police, Road Safety, Defence and National Security and to report back to the House in four weeks for further legislative action.
* Media Report