The House of Representatives has expressed major concern over the excessive number of security checkpoints along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, a major route in Nigeria's South-East region.
This issue was brought to light during a plenary session held on December 6, 2024, where lawmakers highlighted the detrimental impact these checkpoints have on both the socio-economic stability of the region and the constitutional rights of its citizens.
The Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, spanning approximately 105 kilometers, is currently dotted with around 28 security checkpoints, averaging one every 3.7 kilometers.
These checkpoints are manned by various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Key locations such as Awkuzu Junction, Amawbia Junction, Ugwuoba Boundary, Oji River Junction, and Onyeama Hill are particularly noted for their heavy security presence.
Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State, sponsored the motion that led to this discussion. He emphasized that the current approach to security, which involves an excessive number of checkpoints, is counterproductive.
"The mounting of numerous checkpoints along the expressway violates Nigerian citizens' constitutional rights to free movement as enshrined in Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)," he stated. This sentiment was echoed by other members of the House, who noted that these checkpoints often serve as tools for harassment rather than genuine security measures.
The checkpoints have been reported to cause huge delays and interruptions, leading to increased transportation costs and discouraging economic activities and investment in the region. Commercial drivers and ordinary citizens frequently face extortion, being forced to pay bribes to avoid harassment or prolonged delays.
This practice not only undermines trust between citizens and security agencies but also paints a picture of the region as being under siege, according to the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).
HURIWA has condemned the excessive security presence as unconstitutional, dehumanizing, and akin to organized punishment for the people of the South-East. The association argues that while security is crucial, the current method of ensuring it is archaic and oppressive. They advocate for modern, efficient security strategies that do not infringe upon the rights of citizens or subject them to undue hardship.
In response to these concerns, the House of Representatives has mandated several committees, including those on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security, to engage with relevant security agencies. The goal is to explore alternative security strategies that respect the constitutional rights of Nigerians while effectively addressing regional security concerns.
The House also called for community-based security initiatives and improved intelligence gathering as more effective means of maintaining security without resorting to excessive checkpoints.
Furthermore, the House has urged the Committee on Road Safety to dialogue with the FRSC Corp Marshal to regulate the number of checkpoints on the expressway. This move aims to ensure that security operatives act within the bounds of the law and do not exploit their positions to harass or extort citizens.
Despite some opposition, notably from James Faleke of Lagos State, who argued that the insecurity challenges in the South-East necessitate multiple checkpoints, the motion was adopted. Faleke suggested that the focus should be on curbing the behavior of security operatives rather than reducing the number of checkpoints. However, the prevailing view in the House was that the current security measures are excessive and need urgent review.
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