By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has called on national security agencies to reduce the excessive security checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway. This call was made after the adoption of a motion moved by Rep Amobi Ogah during plenary in Abuja.
According to Ogah, the distance between Onitsha and Enugu is approximately 105 kilometers, with about 28 security checkpoints. This translates to a checkpoint every 3.7 kilometers. The checkpoints are located at Awkuzu Junction, Amawbia Junction, Ugwuoba Boundary, Oji River Junction, and Onyeama Hill.
Ogah noted that the numerous checkpoints subject travelers to constant harassment, delays, and extortions. He also stated that the checkpoints violate Nigerian citizens’ constitutional rights to free movement as enshrined in Section 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The lawmaker argued that the checkpoints directly affront the dignity of the people, especially in the South-East. He also pointed out that the checkpoints are perceived as tools for harassment, with citizens often forced to pay bribes.
Ogah emphasized that the current approach to security, which involves increasing excessive checkpoints, is detrimental to the region’s economic stability and counterproductive. He advocated for modern, efficient security methods that do not cause hardship or violate constitutional rights of Nigerians.
The Speaker of the House referred the matter to the House Committee on Security and Intelligence, Army, Police, Road Safety, Defence, and National Security. The committee is expected to report back to the House in four weeks for further legislative action.
The call to reduce security checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway is a welcome development for travelers who have had to endure harassment, delays, and extortions. It is hoped that the House Committee will take concrete steps to address this issue and ensure that the rights of Nigerian citizens are protected.
The reduction of security checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy of the region. With fewer checkpoints, transportation costs are expected to decrease, and economic activities are expected to increase.
