Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Senator-elect for Ebonyi North Senatorial zone, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi has lamented increasing police extortion of Nigerians in the country.
This is as he called on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to reign in his officers or resign if he cannot do so.
Nwaebonyi, stated this in an interview in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.
He said the Police is yet to learn a lesson from the #ENDSARS protests which caused problems in the country.
The lawmaker lamented the continuous intimidation, harassment and tortures that innocent Nigerians pass through in the hands of brutal police officers at the various checkpoints in the country, especially in Onuebonyi axis of Abakaliki and Abuja metropolis.
He vowed that the 10th National Assembly will tackle the menace of policemen when it is inaugurated next month.
He said: “I have observed with dismay the activities of the uniform men, not just at Onuebonyi junction, but all over Nigeria. I have traveled across the country.
“Even at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, policemen will stop you, instead of searching what you have, they will be interested in how much you will give them.
“Sometimes, if you give them one thousand naira, they will go and get your balance for you.They will charge you any amount of money they want you to pay, based on your personal assessment.
“These are one of the areas we are going to address at the 10th National Assembly. This nonsense can’t continue. Nigeria is not a Banana republic. This is a federation. And we have the rule of law.
“If the Nigerian government should engage Nigeria police to collect taxes on the road, it should be formalised. We can’t continue to keep quiet. It shouldn’t continue.
“This is a broad day robbery of innocent Nigerians. And we big men will come and they (police) will clear us and we will pass. But the ordinary people will be there and be robbed with guns. What a country? Nigeria is the giant of Africa. It can’t continue.
“When the 10th National Assembly is inaugurated, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, will be summoned because as I speak, I have video evidence of over one hundred of these extortions going on.
“We will give him (IGP) this poser, can’t this stop? If it can’t stop within seven (7) days, he should leave the office. He is not qualified to be Inspector General of Police.
“We will tell ourselves the truth. The angels will not come down to reshape this country, it is we, ourselves will do it. The right thing must be done,” he stated.
