From IKECHUKWU NNADI, Enugu
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia South) has urged the military and police authorities to dismantle the “excessive security roadblocks mounted on major roads in the South-East region”, saying they have become counter-productive.
According to Kalu, former Abia Governor, rather than address the situation, insecurity in the region has worsened in spite of the multiplicity of choking police and military checkpoints across the geopolitical zone.
Kalu’s view expressed in an Arise TV interview yesterday (Sunday, December 1) came as youths in Enugu State under the aegis of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Enugu state over the increasing number of checkpoints in the State.
The petition entitled “A Call to Action for Enhanced Professionalism at Checkpoints,” dated 27th November 2024 and signed by the State chairman of the group Comrade Bartholomew Ebuka Okoh and made available to Daily Query:
“Dear Honorable Commissioner of Police,
“On behalf of the Youth of Enugu State, we commend your tireless efforts in making Enugu State a crime-free zone. Your leadership and commitment to public safety are exemplary. The Command’s achievements in reducing crime rates and promoting community engagement are laudable.
“However, we bring to your attention concerns regarding checkpoints in Enugu urban, particularly between 7:30 pm – 9 pm. Checkpoints at Monkey Roundabout, Ind Layout, Lomalinda Estate, Sabbath Bus Stop New Haven, H.R.C checking points, Police Detective checkpoints by Uwani, and Otigba Roundabout etc require attention.
“The current situation, where citizens are delayed for 18-25 minutes, consuming fuel in these critical situations and potentially falling prey to late-night risks, is unacceptable. Keke drivers and mini-bus operators are disproportionately affected, facing prolonged delays that jeopardize their safety as Many have fallen victims of having their Mini bus & Keke seized due to violating the State Government’s 9 pm stop driving movement directive.
“We acknowledge Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s willingness to partner with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to revamp police training institutions. Building on this momentum, we encourage you to emphasize professionalism and community-oriented policing.”
Senator Kalu  advised the Army and other security agencies to deploy intelligence driven strategies to tackle crimes rather than mounting roadblocks, a measure he said has only succeeded in subjecting commuters to untold hardship.
He charged the South East Governors to step up efforts in liaison with security agents to fix security in the zone.
“I am very strong willed when it comes to security and I can do anything to safeguard the lives and property of the people I rule. You must be a strong leader to condemn crime and I eradicated crime. No Governor should tolerate any type of crime in his state;Â it is not allowed.
“Igbos must have to enjoy in their land . The Federal and State Governors should work towards that and the Army should dismantle all the roadblocks in Igboland.
He objected to a situation where people are made to alight from vehicles at road blocks , insisting that security is about intelligence.”
When asked about his position with regard to the opposition against the proposed Tax Reform Bills currently in the National Assembly, Senator Kalu said criticisms of the Bills reflect plurality of opinion which he said democracy stands for.
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