Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia State, Hon. Amobi Ogah has presented a motion before the House calling for immediate reduction of security checkpoints in South East region, especially on the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway.
Hon. Ogah said the excessive security checkpoints violate the rights of the people in the region to free movement, as well as affect economic activities.
The lawmaker said the distance covering about 105klm has at least 28 security checkpoints, which include officials of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria police, and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
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Awkuzu, Amawbia junctions, Ugwoba boundary, Oji River junction, and Onyeama hill are some of the points where checkpoints have been mounted along the expressway.
“These multiple roads checkpoints subject travellers to constant harassment, delays, and extortions of different sorts, in addition to other inconveniences.
“The House may be aware that the installation of numerous checkpoints along expressway violates the constitutional right of Nigerian 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 Southeast, where such levels of militarization are more pronounced. The House is notified that these security checkpoints appear to be more of a tool for harassment than a genuine effort in ensuring security.
“It is in the record that ordinary citizens, especially commercial drivers, are often forced to pay bribes at the checkpoints to avoid delays or harassment”, he noted.
Hon. Ogah said the delays encountered in free movement of citizens affect their socio-economic lives as the constant interruptions increase the cost of transportation of goods and other services.
Additionally, the parliamentarian said this discourages investment in the region.
He called for the use of modern and efficient means of managing security in the region without subjecting the people to undue hardship or violating their human rights.
He called on the House to mandate the committees on Defence, Army, police affairs, and FRSC to dialogue with service chiefs, IGP of police, and Corps Marshall of FRSC and others to explore other means to fight insecurity in the region.
