By Anne Azuka
Worried by security concerns across the nation, the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency (Amendment) bill, on Tuesday, sailed through second reading on the floor of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The Member Representing Aniocha South Constituency in the House, Hon (Dr) Isaac Anwuzia, who is the Chairman, Assembly Committee on Peace and Security, is the lead sponsor of the bill, which seeks to give required legal backing to the activities and operations of local vigilantes in the State and thus; improve on their efficiency.
Leading debates on its merits, 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, is aimed at strengthening and enhancing the Agency’s effectiveness in combating the worrisome and challenging insecurity in the state.
Anwuzia explained that the amendment bill also seeks to promote accountability in community policing in the State, stressing that the proposed law would help 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 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 everybody’s business as the absence of it would not only create chaos in any society but retard economic and societal growth.
He said judging by the high rate of insecurity reported across the country, there was an urgent need for all hands to be on deck to stem the trend in Delta State.
Hon Anwuzia noted that the bill, when passed and signed into law, would ensure adequate renumeration for all duly recruited Corp members with the least Corps member’s salary commensurate to the renumeration of Salary Grade level 5 in the State Civil Service.
Hon Anwuzia stated that the proposed law will include chairmen of all the 25 local government areas of the State as members of the Corps.
“This proposed law would go a long way in curbing the rising profile of criminal activities in the State, particularly kidnapping, herders menace, armed robbery among other heinous crimes.
“I therefore urge all my colleagues for the speedy passage of the bill as security is everybody’s responsibility and a priority for development”, Anwuzia added.
Speaking in favour of the bill, some of the lawmakers, including 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 would help to strengthen security architecture in Delta State.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor then referred the Bill to the joint House Committee on Special Bills and Committee on Peace and Security to 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.
