Interstate ban: Anambra lawmaker condemns extortion of constituents

The member representing Awka-North constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. John Okoye has condemned the mounting of border check-point in his constituency.

According to him, the check point is being used to extort money from people to allow them free exit and entry.

He urged the state governor to order for immediate dismantling of the border check-point at Umuji village, Ebenebe community in his constituency.

The lawmaker alleged that the check-point was serving as easy route by violators of the order against interstate travels.

Okoye also alleged that some commuters, especially commercial vehicle operators who exit or enter the state from the neighbouring Ezeagu area of Enugu state through the border check-point, pay as much as N10,000 to those in-charge.

He said the situation was endangering the health of his constituents, adding it might even be responsible for the recent increase in the COVID-19 cases being recorded in the state. “Besides, that check-point at Umuji is not supposed to be there because that place is not a border area.’’

Reacting to the development, Chairman of Transition Committee, Awka-North Local Government, Chief Ferdinand Onwuje, said he established the check-point on the instruction of the then state commissioner for transport because it was strategic in tracking down people who enter the state through various routes.

He said that it was clear that people at the border and some community members were using the checkpoint to extort money from travellers.