Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun
By Maureen Dick
MEMBERS of Petrochemicals and Fertilizer Transporters Association [PEFTA] have called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, to implement the Nigerian Governors’ Forum order to dismantle illegal roadblocks on the roads.
Recently, the NGF, in a meeting held in Lagos, reached a resolution to disband all security checkpoints on the roads and highways, as part of measures to reduce high cost of living.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and signed by Shehu Usman, the Executive Chairman, PEFTA, the group said the governors’ resolution was made in the interest of members of the public.
PEFTA appealed that the implementation of NGF’s resolution by the Police high authorities should not be delayed nationwide.
The group stated: We write to draw the urgent attention of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, to the continued presence of roadblocks and taskforce operations along major highways in and around the state—despite the clear resolution of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum calling on the Federal Government to disband all such checkpoints nationwide.
“This resolution was made in the interest of public safety, free movement, and the protection of citizens from harassment and extortion. Unfortunately, reports from motorists and commercial drivers indicate that police personnel and taskforce agents are still mounting unauthorized roadblocks, particularly along key transit routes in Rivers State.
“We respectfully urge the IGP to act swiftly in aligning all the CPs across the 36 states with the directive of the Governors’ Forum by ordering the immediate removal of all illegal roadblocks and taskforce checkpoints.”
PEFTA also called on IGP to investigate and sanction erring officers who defy this directive, and establish a clear channel for members of the public to report cases of abuse or extortion on the roads.
“The people of Rivers State and, indeed, all Nigerians, deserve to travel without fear, intimidation, or unlawful demands. We call on the CP (Olugbenga Adepoju) to uphold the rule of law and restore confidence in our roadways”, PEFTA urged.