Insecurity: Lawmakers demand fewer checkpoints on major Southeast highway

House of Representatives lawmakers have demanded that the Onitsha-Enugu expressway’s checkpoint count be lowered.

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

In his motion, Ogah called on security forces throughout Nigeria to investigate claims of extortion and harassment on this specific highway.

He claimed that even though it is only 105 kilometers from Onitsha to Enugu, drivers and tourists are routinely the targets of “unnecessary harassment” by security personnel on the route.

Additionally, he pointed out that there are roughly 28 checkpoints along the aforementioned road, and the agents’ sole goal is to harass and extort drivers.

According to him, the installation of so many checkpoints along the highway directly insults the dignity of the populace, particularly in the South-East, and violates Nigerian citizens’ constitutional rights to free movement as guaranteed by Section 41 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Constitution.

“The House is concerned that citizens are frequently coerced into paying bribes at these security checkpoints, which are seen as harassment tools.” This has a detrimental effect on socioeconomic life by raising transportation expenses, creating delays, and deterring economic activity.

These roadblocks are unnecessary, according to Ogah, who bemoaned Nigeria’s handling of security concerns nationwide.

Lagos State politician James Faleke criticized the bill’s title in response to Ogah’s submission. He stated that the Southeast faces a number of security issues and that the House ought to focus more on ways to lessen the extortion and harassment that security personnel cause.

In response, the House directed the Defense, Army, and Police Affairs committee to consult with the Inspector General of Police and the Service Chiefs in order to investigate alternate security measures that do not inflict hardship on individuals or infringe upon their fundamental rights.

In order to guarantee that the quantity of checkpoints on the roadways is controlled, it also demanded communication with the Federal Road Safety Corps Corps Marshal.