The Delta State Community Security Corps Agency (Amendment) Bill has passed second reading in the State House of Assembly.
The member representing Aniocha South Constituency in the House, Hon (Dr) Isaac Anwuzia, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Peace and Security, is the lead sponsor of the Bill, which seeks to give legal backing to the activities and operations of local vigilante groups in the state and improve on their efficiency.
Leading the debate on the merits of the Bill at plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Hon Anwuzia, said the Bill, which has 27 other lawmakers as co-sponsors, was aimed at strengthening and enhancing the Agency’s effectiveness in combating the worrisome and challenging insecurity in the state.
Hon Anwuzia explained that the amendment Bill also sought to promote accountability in community policing in the state, stressing that the proposed law would help to expand the functions of the security outfit, and enhance efficiency and effective collaborations with relevant stakeholders, including communities.
The Lawmaker reminded his colleagues that security was a fundamental requirement in any society aspiring to give the best to its citizens, as well as promote investment and development, emphasizing that security should be everyone’s business, as the absence of it would not only create chaos in any society but retard economic and societal growth.
He said in view of the high rate of insecurity reported across the country, there was an urgent need for all hands to be on deck to stem the tide in Delta State.
Hon Anwuzia noted that the Bill, when passed and signed into law, would ensure adequate renumeration for all duly recruited Corps operatives, with the least salary expected to be commensurate to the renumeration of a Salary Grade Level 5 officer in the State Civil Service.
He pointed out that the proposed law would provide for the Chairmen of the 25 Local Government Councils im the state to be members of the Corps.
The Peace and Security Committee Chairman said the proposed law would go a long way in curbing the high rate of criminal activities in the state, particularly kidnapping, herders menace, armed robbery among other heinous crimes, and urged his colleagues to give the Bill expedited passage.
Also speaking in favour of the Bill, the Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, Deputy Speaker, Arthur Akpowowo, Deputy Majority Leader, Festus Okoh, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola (Ika North-East), Oboro Preyor (Bomadi) Charles Emetulu (Ndokwa West), Pereotu Oloye (Burutu 2), Bridget Anyafulu,(Oshimili South), Spenser Ahwofa (Ughelli North 2), Perkins Umukoro (Sapele) and Mathew Omonade (Ughelli North 1), among others, described the proposed law as apt, saying that when passed and signed into law it would help to strengthen the security architecture in Delta State.
At the end of the debates, the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, referred the Bill to the House Joint Committee on Special Bills and Peace and Security for further legislative actions and report back on 20th May, 2025.
The House has earlier Screened and confirmed the appointment of Mr Boubai Enai as Secretary Bomadi Local Government Council at the committee of the Whole.
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