Reps seek dismantling of roadblocks on highways

The House of Representatives yesterday solicited the dismantling of multiple roadblocks across the country.

This followed a motion brought under matters of urgent national importance by Obinna Chidoka (PDP, Anambra).

According to the lawmakers, the checkpoints, particularly in the southeast constitute nuisance on the highways. They posited that removing them would facilitate the free flow of traffic.

In a unanimous vote, the lawmakers urged the various security agencies in the country to collaborate to avoid wasting resources on multiple makeshift roadblocks.

Chidoka, in his lead debate, said the multiple roadblocks were also causing unnecessary traffic congestion and hardship to road users.

According to him, the checkpoints are usually littered with used tires, timber and metal barricades, which are often abandoned on the highways.

They stressed that the situation had created hazards for unsuspecting motorists and other road users, especially at night.

He said: “In some cases, the abandoned makeshift road blocks and checkpoints are reportedly used by armed robbers to terrorise road users at odd hours.

“Also, most of these roadblocks are only two or three kilometres apart, with one clearly visible from the other.”

Chidoka urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to remove all abandoned vehicles that obstruct the free flow of traffic on the highways.

He also called for the positioning of ambulances and towing vans at major intersections to assist accident victims.

The House Minority Whip, Yakubu Barde, canvassed the deployment of modern technology by security agencies to scan vehicles and conduct searches on the road.

According to him, the manual stop-and-search style was obsolete, adding that on many occasions, motorists were harassed and intimidated.

Supporting the debate, Diri Douye, said: “The roadblocks are too many and get some people confused, as to whether the country is in a democracy or military era.