As a step towards securing the state, Hope Uzodimma, the Imo state governor has signed the Imo State vigilante organization bill, popularly known as Ebubeagu into law.
Also signed into law was the land Administration and Imo Geographic establishment services, charged with the automation of land administration.
While the vigilante law would complement the efforts of the federal security agencies in combating crime, mob-up arms and gather intelligence, the second law would introduce a new era in land administration within the state and further restore investors confidence.
Recall that South-East governors had during their meeting on April 11 agreed to set-up a regional security outfit.
While stating that the joint security outfit will have its headquarters in Enugu, the governors emphasized that they are with the federal government on security measures introduced in the region, canvassing for unity among the political leadership in the region.
According to them, EBUBEAGU will work with the Police and other security agencies in her operations to protect lives and property in the South-East;
The governors also agreed on the structure and operational modalities of EBUBEAGU and to set up an Advisory Board for the security outfit.
They also directed Hon. Attorney Generals and Commissioners for Justice of the South East States to work with the Joint Security Committee to come up with the amendment of the existing State Laws to reflect the new EBUBEAGU outfit.
Imo Assembly had, in an emergency sitting on Friday, deliberated on the bill presented by the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Ehime-mbano state constituency, Emeka Nduka for the establishment of the outfit.
Nduka while presenting the bill, bemoaned the recent security challenge in the state and stressed the need to reinforce the existing security measures to curb crime and criminality in the state.
He said that the bill when passed into law would help to restore sanity, law and order in the state and urged his colleagues to give their support to the passage of the bill, “as it is in the interest of Imo people.”
He said, “take for instance the level of crisis witnessed in the state in recent times. This bill, as you all know, if passed into law, will confront the prevailing security situation in the state and restore the relative peace and tranquillity which was the hallmark of the state.
“You will agree with me that other southeast states have established their state security organizations or outfits. Imo State should not be left out given the rising breakdown of law and order.”
”This bill is for a law to establish Imo Security Organization to assist in maintaining law and order in the state and other purposes thereto’.
Others who contributed during the plenary include Uju Onwudiwe (Njaba), Ngozi Obiefule (Isu), Johnson Duru, (Ideato South).
The bill was given an accelerated hearing and passed into law.
Speaking to newsmen, the Speaker, Paul Emeziem, said the emergency sitting was of urgent public interest while describing the law as apt, a necessity and in the general interest of the state.
