Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the increasing number of police and military checkpoints scattered across the roads of Southeast Nigeria.
His sentiments were shared in a powerful Instagram video, where the acclaimed actor drew a stark contrast between the hassle-free travel experience he had on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the frustrating conditions faced by travellers on the more heavily policed routes in the Southeast.
Kanayo stated that he left the Felele Olorunsogo area of Ibadan at approximately 7:15 AM and arrived in Lagos just an hour later at around 8:15 AM.
During this journey, he noted a significant lack of security checkp, throughout 80 kilometres, he encountered neither police nor military personnel.
This smooth experience led him to question the rationale behind the incessant militarization of the Southeastern region, which he argues is marked by an overwhelming presence of security agencies.
In his compelling rhetoric, Kanayo asked, “Have you ever plied the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway? Did you ever count the number of police checkpoints or military checkpoints on the Enugu-Onitsha road?” His questions were not merely rhetorical, they underscored a growing sentiment among citizens and observers alike regarding the apparent discrimination against the Southeast.
The actor raised a crucial point about the implications of this pervasive policing on the everyday lives of travellers as well as the regional economy.
“Why is the Southeast militarized and policed, such that you cannot go for more than 200 meters without encountering a police checkpoint?” he inquired gravely.
This excessive militarization not only disrupts travel but also brings with it a sense of humiliation and discomfort, which is often experienced by motorists and passengers alike.
Kanayo elaborated on the cruelty faced by travellers, voicing concerns about the humiliating treatment that citizens undergo at these checkpoints.
He recounted, “The number of police and collection points is staggering. They humiliate our people so badly that oftentimes, individuals in the vehicle are forced to disembark with their hands raised. Is this hatred? Is this dislike?” His questions were poignant, resonating deeply with the frustrations of many who feel marginalized in their own country.
Emphasizing the need for equal treatment, Kanayo passionately reiterated that the Southeast is unequivocally part of Nigeria and should not be subjected to unreasonable scrutiny and search routines that compromise the dignity of its citizens.
“This is not good. Is the Southeast still part of Nigeria?” he challenged, pushing for a reevaluation of how security is enforced in the area.
The actor’s comments come at a time when there is heightened concern about the increasing military presence in various regions of Nigeria, which some have described as excessive.
The visible disparity in the treatment of travellers across different regions raises questions about the underlying factors driving these actions.
Many argue that a system of balanced security should be fostered, one that prioritizes the safety of all citizens irrespective of their geographical location.
Kanayo’s statements resonate within a broader discourse surrounding public security measures in Nigeria.
While national security is undeniably critical, the methods employed must align with the principles of respect, dignity, and equality.
Excessive militarization not only instils a sense of fear and anxiety but also alienates regions that should otherwise feel secure and included.
In the wake of Kanayo O. Kanayo’s comments, public sentiment may urge authorities to reassess their approach to security in the Southeast and ensure that the dignity of its citizens is upheld.
The escalating number of checkpoints, coupled with the humiliation experienced by travellers, highlights an urgent need for dialogue and reform.
As discussions around these vital issues continue, leaders and policymakers must engage with the concerns of citizens actively.
The call for a fairer treatment of regions within Nigeria echoes loudly in Kanayo’s impassioned remarks and may catalyze change in how security is administered nationwide, ensuring that everyone can travel freely and confidently, without fear or undue harassment.
However, the stark reality faced by individuals traversing Southeast roads underscores the need for urgent attention and correction.
Kanayo’s plea serves not only as a personal grievance but as a collective outcry for justice, respect, and equity across all regions of Nigeria.
