By Favour Goodness
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 honoured the Regent of Oba community in Idemili South, Prince Noel Ezenwa with a prestigious – “Wonderful Membership of the PCNI Award’’.
The PCNI Chairman Onitsha Branch, Chief John-Chuks Onwuazor, Omenife Adazi-Ani, while being interviewed by newsmen during the 2021 Induction/New Yam celebration at Nkpor, urged Security Chiefs to dismantle the roadblocks saying that Igboland was not a warzone.
“The unwarranted harassment of unsuspecting road users are unimaginable. Almost within every kilometer in major state and federal highways there were gridlocks caused either the 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 trek a certain distance across the check points before boarding to continue their journeys.
“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,” Onwuazor said.
In a related development, Onwuazor also pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the visit of the PCNI patron, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi requesting a release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
According to former Chairman Nigerian Bar Association, Anaocha branch, Mr Jideofor Okongwu, a journey of 15 minutes from my house to my law Chambers at Awka now takes nearly two hours because of incessant roadblocks.
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 strategies.
“I feel good to being honoured. 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 enjoined Ndigbo to respect the traditional rulership institution, elders, leaders in order to continue to embrace hard work, unity and love to ensure success.
Other dignitaries at the event who eulogised the benefits of togetherness and preservation of Igbo culture include Chief Ikechukwu Edeh, Onwa Amagunze, Mr Uzo Ejiofor, Chief Onyebuchi Igbokwe (Kpakpando Idemili), Chief Beneth Chibueze (Igbaluogige Oba).
The event featured a presentation of the prestigious award to Prince Ezenwa, the Oba Regent, eating of New Yam and induction of 15 new PCNI members.
