Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, has backed the move by the government of Akwa Ibom State to establish a state security outfit, Ibom Community Watch
Addressing newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, the director of the group in the state, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, said the security outfit was a welcome development, as it would tackle internal security challenges bedeviling the state.
He described security challenges in the country as worrisome and disturbing, adding that it should no longer be left in the hands of the federal government even though such issues are in the exclusive legislative list.
“We received an invitation from the Akwa Ibom State House inviting us to a public hearing on a law called Ibom Peace Corp and some connected purposes
“We want to commend Akwa Ibom State government for considering it necessary that Akwa Ibom should have a security outfit to combat internal security challenges like we have Amotekun in the South West Ebubeagu in the East
“We are aware that insecurity in the country has become too worrisome and disturbing, Some Youth corps members traveling to Sokoto to answer a national call were kidnapped in Zamfara, and up till today, they are still in captivity. So security issues can no longer be left in the hands of federal government even though there are arguments that security issues are covered in the exclusive legislative list of our constitution.
“So, having a security outfit to tackle internal security challenges will help in getting intelligence for security agencies like the police, the Army, Navy and others including the DSS and NDLEA”
While noting that security outfit would cover all the 31 local governments areas of the state Isong dismissed insinuations that such an outfit could be manipulated by the state governor for selfish consideration.
He said ” There are two bills; one is the Ibom Community Watch and another is seeking to establish security Trust Fund. This Bill is talking about how to fund and not only that if you look at the membership of the board ‘ the board shall comprised of the chairman and three appointed from the private sector”
