The Delta State House of Assembly, through the Joint Committee on Special Committee on Bills and House Committee on Peace and Security, on Friday 9th May, 2025, at Asaba, Delta State, held a public hearing to mend the Community Security Corps Law signed into law by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2020.
Mr. Edewor Egedegbe, BOT Chairman, and C.O Jessa, Legal Adviser, of Citizens Right Concern Enhancement Initiative, presented five page Memoranda on Amendment to the Community Security Corps Law. CRCEI
The group was commended for the brilliant points put forth and the presentation, with an assurance to look at the group’s memoranda amongst others to come out with a law that will serve the interest of the state.
Mr. Edewor Egedegbe, in his remarks, urged Coalition of Human Rights Bodies and other Non-State Actors in Nigeria, to be interested in the laws being made to govern the people of Nigeria and speak always.
“ We should stop agonizing, and start organizing to amongst others, sensitize leaders, representatives and the led in society for sustainable peace and development of our great and blessed country Nigeria”
BELLOW IS THE COMPLETE MEMORANDA SUBMITTED BY CITIZENS RIGHTS CONCERN ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVE:
PURPOSE OF THE MEMORANDA: To cover up some lacuna the proposed amendment did not touch and expand the bill to touch all angels to enhance the agency effectiveness in combating security with other security agency.
BACKGROUND:
Community and religious leaders play a vital role in promoting community security. Here are some ways they can contribute:
Community Building
- Foster trust and understanding: Build relationships with community members, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to promote trust and understanding.
- Organize community events: Host events that bring people together, promote social cohesion, and celebrate diversity.
- Provide a platform for dialogue: Create opportunities for community members to discuss concerns, share ideas, and resolve conflicts.
Conflict Resolution - Mediate disputes: Use their influence to mediate disputes and resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Promote forgiveness and reconciliation: Encourage community members to forgive and reconcile with one another.
- Support victims of crime: Provide emotional and spiritual support to victims of crime and their families.
Community Engagement - Raise awareness: Educate community members about security issues, such as crime prevention and emergency preparedness.
- Encourage community participation: Engage community members in security initiatives and encourage them to take ownership of their safety.
- Collaborate with law enforcement: Work with law enforcement agencies to develop and implement community security initiatives.
Promoting Social Cohesion - Foster a sense of community: Encourage community members to work together and support one another.
- Promote tolerance and understanding: Encourage community members to respect and appreciate diversity.
- Address social issues: Address social issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, that can contribute to community insecurity.
Other Initiatives - Develop community security plans: Work with community members and law enforcement to develop plans that address specific security concerns.
- Provide security training: Offer training and education on security-related topics, such as crime prevention and emergency response.
- Support community policing: Promote community policing initiatives that build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and community members.
By taking these steps, community and religious leaders can play a vital role in promoting community security and building safer, more resilient communities.
HISTROY : The Delta State Community Security Corps Agency Law was enacted in the year 2020, but was die on arrival, nothing remarkable has been initiated or carried out by the Agency, it is commendable it is been re awaken
BELOW ARE OUR CONTRIBUTIONS - Section 5 (b): Collaborate with the leaders and members of the local communities to identify and address security concerns at the grassroots.
(c) Provide security advice and guidance to Government and it’s Agencies, Organisations and Communities’ leaders on measures to enhance security and safety. - The amendment of Section 6(2) of the Principal Law should add Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), People With Disabilities (PWD), Women, Traditional Rulers and representative of Hunters Association of Nigeria in order to promote inclusivity.
In addition, since there is no law regulating the activities of vigilantes in the state currently, it is imperative for empower this law to oversee their activities. - Section 7(g): the word “thirty” should read “FIFTY” and recruiting “Thirty” should read “Recruiting Fifty” suitable persons from each of the INEC Wards in the Local Government Areas of the State.
- Section 22 (3): Where any Corps Member suffers a permanent injury or becomes incapacitated as a result of injury suffered in the course of carrying out his lawful duties, the Agency “MAY” (the word MAY should read SHALL) compensate him/her with a lump sum equivalent to his “54 months’ salary” (We recommend Life benefit for such case (s).
- Section 29(4) failed to mention which Agency of Government shall contribute the counterpart funding.
Special note/ Recommendation
We want to emphasize the importance of carrying out thorough profiling of the persons to be recruited into the Delta State Security Corps. There is no gainsaying the fact that the success of this novel initiative depends largely on the “quality” of the persons that will be recruited into the Corps.
SUMMARY:
This memoranda is to critically look at the necessity of including Community and religious leaders as they are one of the stakeholders in promoting community security, bring the attention of the committee in respect of Our recommendation which should be critically looked into at the final stage of drafting.
