Peoples Club decries proliferation of Roadblocks in South East, honors Oba Regent
By Uzo Ugwunze
The Peoples Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) has decried the intimidation and extortion experienced by motorists in the hands of security agents at multiple Roadblocks in the South East.
The club also honored the Regent of Oba community in Idemili South, Prince Noel Ezenwa with the prestigious-‘ Wonderful Membership of the PCNI Award’.
Speaking to newsmen during the 2021 Induction cum New Yam celebration at Nkpor,, the PCNI Chairman Onitsha Branch, Chief John-Chuks Onwuazor, Omenife Adazi-Ani)urged Security Chiefs to dismantle the Roadblocks saying that Igboland is not a warzone.
“The unwarranted harassment of unsuspecting road users are unimaginable. Almost within every kilometer in major state and federal roads you will meet a gridlock caused by Roadblocks manned by the either Police,Army, Navy or FRSC officers.
“Motorists spend hours at this check points, money is extorted, sometimes passengers are forced to disembark from the vehicles to treck a certain distance across the check points before boarding to continue their journey.
“PCNI has resolved to write a formal petition to the Presidency protesting against the menace of Roadblocks in the South East in the name of maintaining security and traffic rules,”said Onwuazor.
In a related development, Chief Onwuazor also pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the visit of the PCNI patron, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi requesting the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to former Chairman Nigerian Bar Association, Anaocha branch, Barrister Jideofor Okongwu, a journey of 15 minutes from my house to my law chamber at Awka now takes nearly two hours because of incessant Roadblocks.
Also, the Regent of Oba,Prince Noel Ezenwa who received a prestigious award from PCNI in recognition of his valuable contributions and that of his late father, Late Igwe Peter Ezenwa who was a PCNI Trustee appealed to the authorities concerned to improve on their security tactics.
“I feel very good to be honored. My father was not just a Trustee but people’s conscience when it comes to PCNI. He embodied the characteristics of PCNI which include love, unity and service to humanity.
“You are remembered by your good works while on Earth. ‘Ezi afa ka ego-Good name is better than money,” Ezenwa noted.
The PCNI 2nd Vice President, Chief Charles Udeh, Ogene Oraifite advised Ndigbo to respect the traditional rulership institution,elders, Leaders and continue to embrace hardwork, unity and love which ensures success.
Other dignitaries at the event who eulogized the benefits of togetherness and preservation of Igbo culture include Chief Ikechukwu Edeh, Onwa Amagunze, Engr. Uzo Ejiofor, Chief Onyebuchi Igbokwe, Kpakpando Idemili, Chief Beneth Chibueze, Igbaluogige Oba.
Highlights of the occasion include presentation of prestigious award to Prince Noel Ezenwa, Oba Regent, cutting and eating of New Yam, induction of 15 new PCNI members.
