As Emohua Local Government Area Vigilante Services Commences Three Weeks Orientation/Training
The chairman of Emohua local government area, Dr Chidi Lloyd has declared that the area will be witnessing the most peaceful christmas and new year celebration in 2021/2022 following the establishment of the local government vigilante services.
Dr Lloyd said the synergy between the local government vigilante services and security agencies would provide adequate security for the people of the area during the festive period and beyond.
The council chairman made the assertion at the flag off of a three weeks orientation/training for qualified candidates into Emohua local government vigilante services recruitment exercise held at Ojims college field, Rumuji town on Wednesday.
He noted that the commencement of the orientation/training for candidates into the local government vigilante services has dismissed the misgivings in some quarters about the dissolution of the former OSPAC vigilante groups across the LGA.
Declaring open the orientation/training program immediately after he inspected of the trainees, the local government chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to reposition the local government area, stressing that the disbandment of the former OSPAC vigilante was well thought out to give room for the establishment of an organized and legalized security outfit which will be regulated and funded by the local government, as against the disbanded OSPAC which operated without any legal backing.
He promised to ensure that the local government vigilante services carry out their operations without inhibitions, stating that every necessary support will be provided to enable the vigilante function effectively.
“We have taken time to build an operational base for the vigilante which is already nearing completion.
‘”The functions and powers of the vigilante are in the law establishing it, so you must operate within the powers given to you by the law.
“As a council we will provide operational vehicles and the necessary security gadgets, logistics and stipends to enable you function effectively but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who deviates from the aims and objectives of the vigilante services.
“You were recommended by your various communities, the council had no hand in your selection, so you must not disappoint those who recommended you.
“Remember that you have been profiled and found qualified by security agencies, which makes it easier for any of you who deviates from your mandate to be tracked and visited with the law.
“Do not engage in harassment of innocent people, don’t collect money from illegal oil bunkers in the area in the name of the council because the council isn’t asking for money from illegal oil bunkers.
“You were not assembled for political reasons, you were assembled to support the security agencies provide security for all residents and visitors in the area irrespective of political, ethnic or religious interest.
“Some of you were nominated based on your previous experience and contribution to the restoration of peace and security in the local government area, we expect that you bring in your experience now that we have a security outfit with legal backing”. He stated.
The council chairman further thanked the trainees for the vigilante services to live up to the expectation of the government and people of the area, stressing that the vigilante services may also provide the platform for those willing to join the government security agencies.
“You still have the right to withdraw from the recruitment exercise if you want to but since you have made up your mind, you must conduct yourself properly and be committed to the reason why you have volunteered to serve your local government area, who knows, from here some of you can gravitate into any of the government security agencies with recommendation from the council based on the available report about you.” He said.
On the activities of illegal oil bunkers in parts of Emohua local government area, Dr Chidi Lloyd frowned at the involvement of some community leaders in the illegal oil bunkering business which has polluted water and farmlands in the local government area.
According to Dr Chidi Lloyd; “If the communities where these illegal oil bunkering are carried out come together to stop it, I don’t think it will continue but it is unfortunate that those who we ordinarily should be regarded as community leaders are also involved in the illegal business.
Speaking further, Dr Chidi Lloyd called for support from well-meaning individuals and cooperate organizations to the vigilante services, stressing that the security of lives and properties cannot be left for the government alone.
The council chairman further directed the commander and the administrative officer of the vigilante services to work out modalities for the take-off of the Vigilante before the end of the three weeks orientation/training program.
The paramount ruler of Okpabu and Itu, Eze Godwin Ordu, in his remarks congratulated Dr Chidi Lloyd on his achievements in office and initiating the local government vigilante services, with a view to sustaining the already existing peace and security in the area, and urged the trainees for the local government vigilante services to live up to expectation.
The honourable commissioner of housing Rivers State, Elder Chinedu Tasie Nwobueze, the Emolga PDP caucus leader and coordinator of Ikwerre chiefs and elders forum, Eze Paul Wonodi, the chairman of PDP in Emohua LGA, Hon Uche Minikwu all took turns to appreciate Dr Chidi Lloyd for his commitment to reposition Emohua local government area, declaring the support of the leaders of the local government area for the administration of Dr Chidi Lloyd.
Earlier on arrival at the venue of the flag off ceremony in Ojims college, Dr Chidi Lloyd and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to the proprietor of the college, Rev Dr Simeon Dimkpa Ojims where the council chairman appreciated the renowned school proprietor for approving his premises for the local government vigilante services orientation and training program.
The vice chairman of Emohua LGA, Hon Mrs Edna Nyeche, Leader of Emohua legislative council, Hon Mrs Love Nyenke and members of the legislative council, Emohua local government council secretary, Chief Vincent Chukwu and members of the executive council, the proprietor of Ojims college, Rev Dr Simeon Dimkpa Ojims accompanied the council chairman to the flag off ceremony.
The event also had in attendance heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, youth and women groups amidst encomium on Dr Chidi Lloyd.
