The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has lamented that poorly positioned security checkpoints are putting the lives of Nigerians at risk.
Obi asserted that every detail has profound implications for society, as it significantly influences people’s daily lives.
Recounting his movements during the festive season, he disclosed that he travelled across several major roads in the country and encountered appalling levels of traffic congestion.
“At times, the gridlock was so extreme that travellers bound for distant destinations were forced to abandon their journeys, wasting hours trying to escape the chaos,” he stated. “A closer inspection reveals that the primary contributor to this congestion is the ill-placed security checkpoints.”
Obi noted that positioning the checkpoints at narrow points or near construction zones is irresponsible, as they bring traffic to a complete standstill.
The former Anambra State governor decried that similar frustrations plague numerous roads nationwide. “While I respect and recognise the sacrifices made by our security agencies, they must adopt greater discretion and flexibility during peak travel times. People are returning to work, facing long distances, and contending with poor road conditions.”
According to him, the unnecessary delays leave drivers exhausted, raising the risk of accidents as they struggle to stay alert behind the wheel.
“There is absolutely no justification for subjecting travellers to such avoidable setbacks. The purpose of security is to protect lives, not endanger them. Extended delays force those who set out early to find themselves on the road well after dark, putting them at even greater risk in a time marked by rising insecurity.”
This, he said, contradicts the objective of establishing security checkpoints, stressing that a more strategic approach is not only advisable but essential.
Obi emphasised that checkpoints must be strategically located away from narrow roads and construction zones, inspections should be expedited during periods of heavy traffic, and security agencies must coordinate effectively to eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks.
He explained that these measures would not only improve traffic flow without compromising security but also ensure that Nigeria’s roads are safer and more humane for all.
