Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has condemned the increasing roadblocks across states in South East.
He said the proceeds from the roadblocks which were mostly extortions, were enough to construct third Niger bridge in the region.
Okeke-Ogene spoke yesterday at the 2024 General Assembly of the Association of Past Presidents General of Anambra State (APPAS) of the Association of Anambra State Town Union (ASATU)
He regretted that ASATU was founded when people in the state suffered harassments, intimidation and extortion during the military administration in the state.
He said: “When we started this organisation, that was during military regime, the Igbo had no voice to speak for themselves.
“From Onitsha to Ekwulobia, you’ll encounter not less than 10 road blocks.We confronted the then military governor and he assisted to dismantle the roadblocks.
“Today the roadblocks have increased, even to your houses, and nobody is talking. The level of extortion at these roadblocks is enough to build a third Niger bridge.
“You can’t imagine how much they make from those roadblocks. And these are done by intimidation, not voluntary. We must continue to fight against it.
“Yes, they always claim they are after criminals, but they’ve never arrested any one on those roadblocks.”
Referring to the body as his main constituency, Okene-Ogene recalled the sacrifice he made as founding father of the union, including settlement of issues.
He expressed satisfaction that the body which had little beginning is now made of responsible, respected and mature individuals. Earlier, the National President of APPAS, Mazi Omife Omife, announced that the body lost 13 members between August and December last year.
He said 64 members out of 782 strong members were incapacitated due to old age and other associated health problems.
He noted that APPS works and cooperates with the Governor Charles Soludo-led administration and any government in power in the state.
Source: The Sun
