The Nigerian Senate has ordered its Committee on Security, Intelligence and Judiciary to immediately open investigation into an alleged law passed by Kogi State establishing “Vigilante Service Group”.
Senate wants the National Security Adviser, Ali Mongunu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubarka Mallami summoned to assist in the investigation.
Senate resolution follows a motion from Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West.
Coming on Order 42(1), drew Senate attention to what he describes as plan by Kogi State Government to introduce “State Police”, through the backdoor.
“Mr President, this morning I bring to the Senate, a law passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Governor of Kogi State, Melaye said.
The lawmaker presented copy of the law to the Senate; arguing strongly that the provisions are in conflict with the 1999 Constitution.
He argued further that the law alters the functions of Nigeria Police as stipulated in Section 214 of the Constitution of Nigeria.
“Mr. President, it is a fact that states can make laws through the Houses of Assembly as enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution of Nigeria. But the laws they would make must not be in conflict with the provision of the Constitution, he said.
In the new law, the Vigilante Groups are permitted to carry arms and assist other security agencies in detection and prevention of crimes.
Melaye informed Senate that the Vigilante Group is already carrying out extra-judicial killings in Kogi, warning that the situation could worsen if not disbanded on time.
“There is record of killings in Okene, record of killing in Adavi,record of killing in Lokoja. This group is already carrying AK 47 and Pump Action riffles openly in Kogi, “he said.
Melaye said the new law explains why military uniforms were recently imported into the country en route Kogi.
Melaye’s motion generated comments from many lawmakers.
Speaking, Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, supported the motion describing it as “unfortunate” from a youthful governor at time when Senate is planning to widen political space of young people.
“It is quite unfortunate it is Kogi again. And here we’re in the Senate trying to make laws to enable the youths who can go into elections to be voted for and we are seeing a very youthful governor to give the impression that we elders should continue to recycle ourselves because it is like the youths are not ready. But I do know that the youths are ready to contribute their quota towards nation building”, he said.
Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Bwacha, believes the security situation has reached fever pitch; pointing out that there are many forces working to destabilize Nigeria and rob it of its peace.
In his contribution, Senator Magnus Abe drew Senate attention to similar law in River State and the establishment of Neighbourhood Watch.
He asked that the situation in River State should be considered along with that of Kogi.
Deputy Senate President who has been a proponent of “State Police”, sympathizes with Kogi State Government, arguing tbat many governors are merely reacting to security situation in their states.
Ike Ekweremadu said the danger in it is that “the Vigilante groups are currently not well regulated.
Ekweremadu, therefore, called for amendment to the Constitution that would provide for State police and ensure they are properly regulated.
Senator Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central is of the opinion that Vigilante groups have worked very well in Anambra, helping to reduce the crime rate in his state, pointing out that the issue of Vigilante group in Kogi should be treated separately.
He also wants the IGP Ibrahim Idris not to include Anambra in his directive to withdraw small arms from vigilante groups across the country.
Senate in its ruling sustained the sole prayer from Senator Dino Melaye asking its Committees on National Security, Intelligence and Judiciary to look into the matter and invite the NSA and the AGF.
The upper legislative chamber, however, knocked down the additional prayers from Magnus Abe asking Senate to investigate the establishment of Neighborhood Watch in River State.
