Reps decry excessive checkpoints along Onitsha-Enugu Expressway

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, expressed grave concern over excessive security checkpoints along Onitsha-Enugu Expressway and extortion of commercial drivers plying the route.

Worried by the development, the House called on all the security agencies to reduce the number of checkpoints and ensure that security operatives act within the bounds of the law and do not use their positions to harass or exploit citizens.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Amobi Oga who solicited for the House intervention.

Lawmakers said that the current approach of mounting excessive security checkpoints is counter-productive and undermines the economic stability of the region.

In his lead debate, Hon. Ogah said: “The House is fully aware that the security agencies in Nigeria that are mostly involved in mounting security checkpoints on our major roads include: the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC). It is also aware that the distance between Onitsha to Enugu is approximately 105 kilometers only.

“It is disturbing that in a journey of 105km there are approximately 28 security checkpoints, that is at an average of 3.7km each. For example, Awkuzu Junction, Amawbia Junction, Ugwuoba Boundary, Oji River Junction and Onyeama Hill just to mention but a few. These subject travelers to constant harassment, delays and extortions of different sorts in addition to other inconveniences.

“The House notes that the mounting of numerous checkpoints along the expressway violates the constitutional rights of Nigeria citizens to free movement as enshrined in section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“It is also a direct affront to the dignity of the people particularly in the South-East, where such levels of militarization are more pronounced.

“It is worrisome that these security checkpoints appeared to be more of a tool for harassment than a genuine effort to ensure security, noting that ordinary citizens, especially commercial drivers are often forced to pay bribes at the checkpoints to avoid delays or harassment.

“This is having detrimental effects on the socio-economic life of the region by causing delays, constant interruptions, increase in cost of transportation, goods and services which altogether discourage economic activities and investment.”

While calling for redress, Hon. Ogah maintained that: “in as much as security is important, the current approach of mounting excessive security checkpoints is counterproductive and undermines the economic stability of the region.

“We advocate the use of modern and more efficient methods of maintaining security that do not subject the people to undue hardship or violate their constitutional fundamental rights.”

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees 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 undue hardship.

The House also mandated its Committee on Road Safety to dialogue with FRSC Corp Marshal with a view to regulate the number of its checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.

In the same vein, the House mandated its Committee on National Security to engage its relevant Agencies and advocate for community-based security initiatives and improved intelligence gathering which would effectively address regional security concerns other than the use of excessive security checkpoints on the expressway.

Hence, the House mandated the joint Committees of Defence, Police Affairs and National Security to intensify strict oversight to ensure that security operatives act within the bounds of the law and do not use their positions to harass or exploit citizens.