Members
of the House of Representatives have called for the removal of multiple
security checkpoints on Nigerian roads, especially those in the South East
region.
The
House said such checkpoints subject commuters to untold hardship as there was
usually slow movement of traffic wherever they exist.
In
passing a motion by Obinna Chidoka (PDP, Anambra), the House also called for
collaboration among security agencies in the discharge of their
responsibilities.
The
House said the road blocks sometimes caused accidents and could be used by
armed robbers to terrorize road users.
Meanwhile,
Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday said the only way to end unethical
issues among police including extortion at checkpoints was to provide
alternative funding to address challenges facing the force.
Speaking
during a public hearing on the Nigerian Police Development Fund establishment
bill, he said unless the poor welfare package of the police is improved, the
unethical issues won’t stop.
“It
cannot be gainsaid that the Nigerian Police Force can play a critical role in
safeguarding the country if they are better equipped and motivated than they
currently are in order to play their role effectively,” he said.
Chairman
of the Senate committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC, Katsina)
said: “If we desire a police force that is efficient and capable of maintaining
law and order as in advanced countries, a sustainable funding arrangement must
be put in place.”
He
said this year out of the N20bn that was appropriated to the police for capital
projects, only N3bn was released.
- Daily Trust
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