Tag: Road Blocks

  • Reps calls for dismantling of multiple road-blocks

    Reps calls for dismantling of multiple road-blocks

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday, adopted a resolution, calling for the removal of multiple security checkpoints on roads across the country to facilitate the free flow of traffic.

    The house also urged security agencies to collaborate with one another in the discharge of their duties and avoid waste of resources through the erection of multiple makeshift roadblocks.

    The resolution which was unanimous adopted, followed a motion under matters of urgent public importance, sponsored by Rep. Obinna Chidoka (Anambra-PDP).

    Chidoka said multiple roadblocks were causing unnecessary traffic congestion and hardship to road users.

    According to him, the security checkpoints mounted with used tyres, logs of wood and metal barricades are often abandoned on the highways after operations.

    He said the items often created hazards for unsuspecting motorists, especially at night.

    “And in some cases, the abandoned make-shift roadblocks and checkpoints are reportedly used by armed robbers who attack and terrorise road users at odd hours.

    “In most cases, these roadblocks are only two or three kilometres apart with one clearly visible from the other,’’ Chidoka said.

    While calling on the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) to remove all abandoned vehicles on the roads, Chidoka also urged the corps to position ambulances and towing vans at major intersections.

    He said this would help in providing help to victims in case of road crashes.

    Contributing to the debate, the Minority Whip, Rep. Yakubu Barde, reiterated the need for the security agencies to deploy modern technology while dealing with motorists.

    According to him, the manual method of stop and search of motorists is obsolete, adding that in many occasions, motorists are harassed and intimidated.

     

    NAN

  • Ease of Doing Business: IGP orders immediate dismantling of roadblocks nationwide

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has ordered the immediate dismantling of all roadblocks nationwide.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that some of the routes where the order is expected to take effect include; Lagos-Ibadan, Shagamu-Benin, Benin-Onitsha, Okene-Abuja, Kaduna-Kano, Katsina – Kano, Otukpo – Enugu, Enugu – Port Harcourt Express Ways and others.

    The police in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood explained that the dismantling would enable ease of doing business in Nigeria, adding that it would safeguard, and guarantee free passage of goods and travelers throughout the country.

    The IG also said no Police department, section, squad or unit should mount road block without express permission from him.

    The statement read: “Consequently, Assistant Inspectors General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands, Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands, Heads of Departments, must ensure that every patrol vehicle in their respective Formation carries a conspicuous and legible inscription of Patrol vehicle identification number, and dedicated emergency Phone numbers for ease of identification and report of distress by members of the public.

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Border patrol of the Force is specifically directed to ensure compliance with this directive along the Border routes in the country except the few approved points by the Federal Government.

    Furthermore, Police personnel who involve in vehicular Patrol on highways and major roads across the country must wear on their uniforms a bold name tag and service number”

    The Statement also said the Special X-Squad teams of the Force have been deployed throughout the country and they are under strict instructions to arrest, investigate and discipline any Police personnel flouting the order.

    The IGP has also directed the Special X-Squads to embark on removal of other forms of illegal blockage and obstructions on Highways and Roads, created by unlawful Revenue/Tax collectors, Road Transport Unions, Labour and Trade related unions inhibiting vehicular movement and smooth passage of passengers and goods, and other road users across the country.

    For avoidance of doubt, the Taxes and Levies act, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 section 2 (2) disallowed any person, including a Tax Authority from mounting a Road block in any part of the Federation for the purposes of collecting any Tax or Levy”.