To strengthen security in Enugu State, a bill to formalise the operations of the Neighbourhood Watch Association has scaled the second reading.

The bill would ensure that personnel of the Neighbourhood Watch were converted to civil service, which makes them eligible to earn a pension after retirement.

The leader of the House, Iloabuchi Aniagu, stated this during the plenary on Thursday in Enugu.

He said the neighbourhood watch’s role in maintaining security in Enugu State was crucial.

Mr Aniagu stressed the urgent need to strengthen the local security outfit by ensuring they carry sophisticated weapons to confront criminals and improve their welfare packages.

The leader explained that the bill would empower the state governor to appoint a commander who would oversee and coordinate the activities of the security outfit in the state.

According to Mr Aniagu, there will be commanders at the 17 local government areas, as the bill would encourage the neighbourhood watch to do more in securing the lives and properties of Enugu citizens.

Also contributing, William Amuka, representing the Igbo Etiti West constituency, said the bill, which intends to boost security in rural communities, was timely, noting that security was paramount to development.

Mr Amuka revealed that the current bill captures things not included in the previous bill, which ensures that the neighbourhood watch has a well-structured payment.

Chima Obieze, representing the Ezeagu constituency, lauded the state government for introducing the bill allowing a community’s indigenes to be in charge of their security.

Obieze believed that criminal activities in rural communities would be drastically reduced or eliminated if the indigenes controlled their security.

The lawmaker expressed happiness that there would be a board to monitor and regulate the activities of the Neighbourhood Watch from abuse.

Mr Obieze maintained that the bill would ensure that the neighbourhood watch operatives did not live like paupers or depend on stipends from public-spirited individuals.

In the same vein, Lebechi Eze asked the board to ensure that those recruited into the local security outfit are qualified and psychologically stable, considering that they would bear arms.

In his remark, Speaker Uche Ugwu said the House would be meticulous in passing the bill to enhance the state’s security.

Mr Ugwu directed that the House committees on security and judiciary should look into the bill and report back to the House in one week.

(NAN)