Public hearing memo: Delta Online Publishers make case for grassroots security apparatus

Sponsored

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has called on the Delta State House of Assembly to enact an entirely new legal framework for the establishment of a functional, grassroots-oriented Community Security Corps, declaring that the previous law was never implemented and has therefore failed in its purpose.

This position was articulated in a comprehensive memorandum submitted by the Forum at a public hearing convened by the House Joint Committee on Bills, chaired by the Majority Leader, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, Ph.D, and the Committee on Peace and Security, led by Hon. Chief Isaac Anwuzia, Ph.D. The hearing took place on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Press Centre of the Assembly Complex in Asaba.

Represented by its Vice Chairman, Mr. Chukwudi Abiandu, and member Christy Agboje, the Forum described the existing legislation as ineffective and obsolete, citing the absence of an implementation mechanism, undefined operational structures, and a failure to include critical stakeholders. DOPF insisted that the task before the lawmakers should not be treated as a mere amendment but as a complete legislative rebirth to fill glaring security gaps across Delta’s communities.

Applauding the Assembly’s resolve to revisit the issue, the Forum said the move was courageous and timely, particularly in view of rising insecurity at the grassroots level. It presented wide-ranging proposals for the new bill, including the creation of a clearly defined governance structure, the integration of a dedicated media and communications unit, and the recruitment of personnel through local government channels.

The Forum also emphasized the need for robust and sustainable funding, to be derived from statutory allocations and strategic corporate partnerships. It further called for the involvement of traditional rulers, civil society, youth groups, women, and media professionals in both the state and local advisory councils of the proposed agency to ensure inclusiveness, transparency, and grassroots ownership.

DOPF proposed a phased implementation approach, with full operational presence of the agency to be achieved within 12 months of the new law’s enactment. It emphasized the importance of legislative oversight, performance review, and media collaboration to guarantee the success of the corps.

Reaffirming its readiness to support public sensitization and legislative engagement efforts, the Forum stressed that the new law must uphold human rights, reflect local realities, and conform to international best practices in community policing.

It will be recalled that the Forum had, in a communiqué issued at the end of its Audience Participatory Programme held on November 12, 2020, with the theme “Aftermath of #EndSARS Protest: The Way Forward,” first called for proactive security reforms across the country. The advocacy continued during a courtesy visit to the current Speaker of the House on September 25, 2024, where DOPF reiterated the need to implement the community security law passed by the 7th Assembly. At its 5th Annual Lecture, held on November 20, 2024, the Forum spotlighted local implementation solutions as a central theme, expanding its campaign for improved security mechanisms not only in Delta State but throughout the country.

Also, in a recent press release, DOPF urged governors, especially those in the southern region, to urgently treat security as a strategic priority, warning that the surge of insecurity was fast advancing into the South.