By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Bill to Establish Delta State Security Corps Agency has passed second reading on Tuesday during plenary.
The Bill sponsored by the Member Representing Aniocha South Constituency in the House, Hon (Dr.) Isaac Anwuzia, and Chairman, Assembly Committee on Peace and Security.
The bill, which sought for legal backing for the activities and operations of local vigilantes in the State and also to improve on their efficiency across the state.
Leading debates on the merits of the Bill at plenary presided over by the Speaker, the sponsor of the Bill, Hon. Anwuzia, explained that 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 maintained 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.
Hon. Anwuzia hunted that security was a fundamental requirement in any society aspiring to give the best to its citizens as well as promote investment and development.
He emphasized 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 worried by the high rate of insecurity reported across the country, and 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 remuneration for all duly recruited Corp members, with the least Corps member’s salary commensurate to the remuneration of Salary Grade level 5 in the State Civil Service.
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 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.
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