The International society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR), has said that it’s not comfortable with plans to establish a security outfit, the Neighborhood watch.
Chancellor of the group, Omenazu Jackson, said that establishing a state run security outfit, the neighborhood watch will not be good for the people of the state.
He queried how the Neighborhood watch will be run.
“While we suffer under heavy yoke of insecurity, the government of Governor Nyesom Wike had proposed a bill to establish a local security outfit known as Neighborhood Safety Corp, which budget head is #20bn in the 2018 appropriation bill.
“The pertinent question that should agitate the minds of Rivers people are;
(1) Who and who will the boys be recommended from.
(2) Which ministry will they report to. Under which civil service rules will they be subjected to.
(3) Under which command will the corps report to and who determines what his levels are under the corps operation and guide.
“Will it not be counter productive, since the National security system are still active in their responsibility of protecting lives and properties”.
He further urged the people of Rivers state to prevail on the state Assembly, not to pass the neighborhood watch bill into law.
“Is this not a total vote of no confidence?. What is the role of our Traditional rulers, if youths will be armed in their domain to protect it. Is it not another attempt to subjugate Royal Fathers and erode their powers and question their credibility.
“We call on the entire peace loving people, Rivers people to reject in its entirety this proposed bill, that is a tool of intimidation.
“New brand of groups will be raised to unleash terror, on the already psychological subdued people. Political thugs will be used to subvert the electoral will of the people, come 2019” he said.
