As Nigerian Christians prepare to join their counterparts in other parts of the world to mark the 2023 Easter celebration, Mr Isidore Chikere, the Anambra State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has deployed 1077 officers to all the Local Government Areas of the state.
Commandant Isidore Chikere disclosed this at the Command Headquarters Awka, the state capital while addressing the personnel on the need to adhere to the Easter Celebration Operational order, put in place by the Commandant General of NSCDC, Abubakar Audi.
He tasked them to be professional, diligent and discharge their duties with tact and high sense of responsibility during the period.
According to the statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Okadigbo, the officers were drawn from Operations Department, Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Counter Terrorism Unit, CTU, Disaster Management Unit, Investigation & Intelligence Department, Chemical Biological Radioactive Nuclear & Energy Unit, CBRNE, Critical National Assets & Infrastructure Protection Unit, CNAI, Anti-vandalism Unit and the Special female squad, to secure places of worship, recreational areas, and places with high concentration of people, before and during Easter celebration.
While felicitating with members of the public especially Christians,as they commemorate the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the State Commandant called on religious leaders, worshippers, and residents of the State to cooperate with NSCDC and other security agencies, as adequate security arrangements have been put in place to guarantee a hitch-free celebration.
Mr. Isidore urged Christians to take advantage of the period to seek divine intervention in the affairs of the nation, and take a cue from the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ by eschewing all forms of political, social and religious violence and vices.
Meanwhile, the State Commandant has directed all Area Commanders, and Divisional Officers to embark on effective and rigorous patrol of their respective areas of responsibility in order to safeguard lives and properties, in addition to protecting all Critical National Asset and Infrastructure within their domain.
Members of the public are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses without apprehension of fear or molestation, remain security conscious, be law-abiding and in case of any emergency before, during and after the celebration report to the nearest Civil Defence Office or call the following numbers; 08066769442, 08036172748, 08035913830,
08036086018, 08035406492.
Peace Corp Lauds Bill Passage
In another development, the State command of the Nigeria Peace Corps has lauded the Nigerian Senate for adopting the report of the Conference Committee to harmonise the ‘Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps’.
The Conference Committee set up earlier in the year by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, completed its assignment on March 29, 2023.
The House of Representatives adopted the report on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
A harmonized report of the Conference Committee which was laid and adopted by the Senate during plenary last Tuesday showed the upper chamber adopted the version of the Bill as passed by the House of Representatives.
According to the Corp’s Commandant, Mr Innocent Okolo, the Conference Committee was set up to harmonise and reconcile clause 38 (1) of the version passed by the Senate which conflicts with the version passed by the House of Representatives as contained under clause 38 (1)
He pointed out that whereas the Senate version seeks the dissolution of the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria and National Unity and Peace Corps, the House of Representatives version solely recommended the transformation of Peace Corps of Nigeria into the Nigerian Peace Corps when assented to by the President adding that the adoption of the report by both the Senate and the House of Representatives has brought to its logical conclusion every legislated process involved in the enactment of a bill.
He concluded that it has cleared the coast for the transmission of this all-important Bill to Mr President for assent.
Commandant Okolo said that Anambra state command is ready to hit the ground running upon President Buhari’s assent as the command has embarked on training and retraining of staff and engagement of state government function requests pending their legalization.
The Bill, among others, seeks to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps as a body charged with the responsibility to develop, empower and provide gainful employment to youths, facilitate peace, volunteerism, community service, neighbourhood watch and nation-building.
PIAK
