Chukwuka Utazi, senator representing Enugu north, says there are 60 police checkpoints between Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra state. Utazi, moving a motion on the floor of the senate, on Thursday, lamented that the checkpoints were being used to oppress motorists and cause them hardship.

The senator said the situation should be checked by Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), before Yuletide.

“60 checkpoints is what a traveller and the motoring public will have to confront in order to move from Lagos to Onitsha,” he said. You know what that means especially this Christmas period. [The senate] will not renege on our responsibilities when the masses of this country complain that government police meant to protect them has been turned into oppressive conduct by those concerned and which the IGP and people of his ilk may not be aware.”

Thereafter, the Senator asked the IGP to reduce the number of checkpoints on federal highways across the country to reduce the gridlock on the roads. The lawmaker also urged Adamu to direct his officers to eschew all forms of extortion on motorists while carrying out their checks. The legislator said while roadblocks are necessary to curb criminal activities, its abuse is reprehensible.

All the resolutions were adopted by the senators after a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.