Reps seek reduction of security checkpoints on Onitsha-Enugu road

The  house of representatives has asked security agencies to caution their personnel at checkpoints along the Onitsha-Enugu expressway against “harassing and exploiting” travellers.

The green chamber passed the resolution during plenary on Thursday following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Amobi Ogah, a lawmaker from Abia.

Moving the motion, Ogah said security agencies, including the army, police, and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), have their operatives stationed along the expressway.

Ogah said the distance between Onitsha and Enugu is approximately 105 kilometres with about 28 security checkpoints.

The lawmaker claimed that these checkpoints “subject travellers to constant harassment, delays, and extortions” and motorists are “often forced to pay bribes”.

He said the “excessive checkpoints” are “counterproductive and detrimental” to the economic stability of the south-east.

“There is a need to advocate for modern, efficient security methods that do not cause hardship or violate constitutional rights of Nigerians,” he said.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

Consequently, the house mandated the committees on defence, army, and police affairs to meet with the service chiefs, including the inspector-general of police, to “explore alternative security strategies that will not subject people to hardship or violate their constitutional rights”.

Parliament also asked the relevant security agencies to regulate checkpoints on expressways and ensure security operatives “act within the bounds of the law and do not use their positions to harass or exploit citizens”.