In recent times the rate at which NSCDC officials are used as personal body guard to politicians in Rivers state is worrisome. One day at D-Line I saw a Chairman of a political party in Rivers state with 7 NSCDC officials apart from two patrol police vans of Policemen He used as escort.I have been seeing NSCDC personnel used as body guards to politicians and Individuals in recent times in RIVERS State. I took my time this morning to look at NSCDC ACT of 2007 which is an amendment of the 2003 act,I did not see where it was stated that NSCDC should be used as body guards to individauls. Apart from providing security during specific functions and other statutory functions of NSCDC. YOU CAN GOOGLE NSCDC 2007 ACT.
I have checked in our public schools NSCDC officials are only there during NECO Examinations.Meanwhile a section of the act makes provision for NSCDC to tackle issues of cultism in public places like schools but am yet to see NSCDC deploy its officials and intelligence to tackle cult activities which is on increase in our secondary schools let alone communities ravaged by cult crisis.
It is my view that NSCDC should not limit themselves to fight against pipeline and electric cable vandals,illegal oil bunkerer,provision of security for Government institutions but should also ensure that other statutory functions are carried out.
The statement below was the response of the Spokesperson of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Rivers State :
On your comment on whether the corps is engaged in fighting cultism or not. I must admit your ignorance of the activities of the Anti terrorism unit of the corps at Omuku and Ogba Egbema where we freed some kidnapped victims, also worthy of note is the same Omoku where there has been series of attacks on security personnel as well as kidnapping of innocent victims we were able to restore sanity, several arrests were made and those arrested are currently serving their jail terms. Also at Ahoada East we swung into action and were able to free so many kidnapped victims. Space may not permit me to continue. You are free to come to our State HQ for comprehensive data of arrests made and update. You can as well visit the communities mentioned to verify for yourself cos I am aware of the fact that in journalism, Truth should be Paramount.
Commandant General of NSCDC ,Adullahi Gana [/caption
The statement added is that the corps does not take delight in arresting and prosecuting arrested persons .We also engage in sensitization campaign against cultism,kidnapping and vandalism.
The statement read that “We are moving from LGA to meet with Traditional rulers, Youths, market Men and Women etc sensitizing them on ills of vandalism.
The statement of the spokesperson,Michael Akin Oguntuase however was silent on the use of NSCDC body as body guards to politicians and highly placed individuals.
The statement was also silent on deployment of its officials to school in the state.
OPINION WRITTEN BY PRINCE WIRO,
PUBLISHER OF REVELATION AGENTS ONLINE NEWS.
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