Delta Lawmakers Push to Expand Powers and Pay of Community Security Corps

ASABA/Nigeria: In a decisive move to tackle growing security concerns across the country, the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency (Amendment) Bill through its second reading. The bill, which seeks to enhance the operations and structure of local vigilante groups, is sponsored by Hon. (Dr) Isaac Anwuzia, Member representing Aniocha South Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Peace and Security.

Speaking during plenary presided over by the Speaker,  Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Hon. Anwuzia explained that the amendment bill is designed to give legal backing to local security operatives, promote accountability, and strengthen collaboration with communities and relevant stakeholders. According to him, the bill has 27 co-sponsors, a clear indication of widespread support among lawmakers.

Hon. Anwuzia emphasized that security remains a fundamental pillar for societal development and investment. “Security is everybody’s business. The absence of it breeds chaos, discourages investment, and stalls economic growth. With insecurity rising nationwide, Delta State must act proactively,” he said.

He further stated that once passed, the bill would expand the agency’s functions and ensure that all recruited corps members are adequately remunerated, with the lowest cadre earning equivalent to Salary Grade Level 5 in the State Civil Service. In addition, chairmen of the 25 local government councils in Delta would be integrated into the corps’ framework, further decentralizing and localizing security efforts.

“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,” Anwuzia added, while calling on his colleagues for a speedy passage of the bill.

Contributions from other lawmakers reinforced support for the amendment. The Majority Leader, Hon. 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, praised the bill as timely and necessary.

They collectively agreed that the proposed law, when enacted, would significantly bolster the state’s security architecture and serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.

The Speaker thereafter referred the bill to a joint committee of Special Bills and the Committee on Peace and Security, with a mandate to report back by May 20, 2025.

Meanwhile, earlier in the session, the House screened and confirmed the appointment of Mr. Boubai Enai as Secretary of Bomadi Local Government Council during a committee of the whole session.