Kehinde Fajobi
The House of Representatives has called on security agencies to reduce the number of checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway, citing alleged harassment and extortion of motorists.
The resolution followed a motion presented on Thursday by Amobi Ogah, the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State.
Ogah highlighted the challenges faced by travellers on the 105-kilometre stretch between Onitsha and Enugu, which reportedly hosts 28 security checkpoints.
“The House is aware that the distance between Onitsha and Enugu is approximately 105km with about 28 security checkpoints with an average of 3.7 km each in Awkuzu Junction, Amawbia Junction, Ugwuoba Boundary, Oji River Junction, and Onyeama Hill, thus subjecting travellers to constant harassment, delays, and extortions,” he said.
He argued that the excessive checkpoints infringe on citizens’ rights to free movement under Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution and negatively impact socio-economic activities in the South-East.
“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,” he added.
Ogah also criticised the current security approach as counterproductive.
“The current approach to security, which involves increasing excessive checkpoints, is detrimental to the region’s economic stability, and it’s counterproductive,” he stated, urging a shift to modern, efficient security methods.
James Faleke, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Lagos State, opposed the motion’s title, citing the insecurity in the South-East.
“There are series of insecurity challenges in the South-East particularly in Anambra State. Rather than asking for the reduction of the checkpoints, I think what we should be discussing is that security agents should be cautioned about harassment and extortion of motorists,” he argued.
Mark Esset, a lawmaker from Akwa Ibom, supported the motion as a people-focused intervention but stressed that the behaviour of security operatives, not the number of checkpoints, should be the main concern.
Despite differing opinions, the House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, and Police Affairs to engage with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to develop alternative security strategies.
The House also directed its Committee on Road Safety to work with the Federal Road Safety Corps to regulate checkpoints on the route.
It further tasked the Committee on National Security and Intelligence to advocate for community-based security initiatives and better intelligence gathering to tackle insecurity in the region.
Additionally, the Committees on Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security were instructed to ensure strict oversight of security operatives to prevent harassment or exploitation of citizens.