ASABA/Nigeria: In a decisive move, the Delta State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern regarding the alarming increase in illegal roadblocks and extortion practices targeting commuters and traders throughout the state.
The legislators, led by Hon. Oboro Preyor, who represents Bomadi State constituency, voiced their distress during a plenary session on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in a motion urged the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to coordinate efforts with the State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Service (DSS), the Joint Task Force (JTF), and other relevant security agencies to complete and permanently dismantle, remove, and close of all existing illegal roadblocks and unauthorized tax collection points within the state.
The plenary session presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor passed resolutions demanding the immediate apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for operating these illegal roadblocks and money collection points, in accordance with the state’s applicable laws.
Hon. Ferguson Onwo, representing Isoko South two constituency, contributed to the motion by suggesting that a special task force be established to ensure that traders and commuters can use the roads without facing any harassment.
Hon. Oboro Preyor, leading the discussions on the motion, pointed out that illegal roadblocks and the associated extortion practices have contributed significantly to the skyrocketing costs of goods and services in the state. He also highlighted the brutality and dehumanization suffered by traders and commuters who resist these illicit deals.
“These miscreants have taken over the roads. You meet them at every little distance. The amount to pay is determined by the miscreants. If commuters refuse to pay, they beat them up. The resultant effect of the sad development is the high cost of goods in the market. This is man’s inhumanity to man, subjecting Deltans to all forms of inhuman treatment,” Hon. Preyor emphasized.
He further warned that if urgent measures were not taken to address this issue, it could escalate into a breakdown of law and order within the state. Hon. Preyor linked these activities to a threat to the MORE agenda of the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasizing the government’s primary responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of its people.
In their contributions, several other lawmakers echoed the same concerns, underlining that most of the individuals operating these illegal roadblocks are criminals who must be addressed. They stressed that these illegal roadblocks are not only unlawful but are also negatively impacting the economic well-being of Deltans and Nigerians at large.
The motion received unanimous support from the House through a voice vote, orchestrated by Speaker Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor, who commended the lawmakers for their legislative acumen and noted that this motion aligns with the M.O.R.E agenda of the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.
In other proceedings during Tuesday’s plenary, the Delta State Merit Award Scheme Bill, originally scheduled for a second reading, faced a setback as the lead sponsor, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, withdrew the bill. The House also received a report from the House committee on local government and chieftaincy affairs concerning the declaration regulating the appointment and succession of Unuevmoros and Usiavwes under section 23 of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law 2008 in Uvwie Kingdom.
