Global Integrity
Crusade Network (GICN), has call on the National Assembly to as a matter of
urgency pass the Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) Bill, pending before the two
legislative chambers.
GICN is a pro-democracy anti-corruption and justice sector
Civil Society Organization (CSO) in Abuja fighting against corruption, terrorism and economic sabotage in
Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
The Nigerian Peace Corps
The CSO is also working
to implant integrity, justice, transparency and peace in the society with a
view to promote sustainable development for the overall benefit of the masses.
In a statement at the
weekend, the President, Barr Edward Ejembi Omaga, noted that the high level
insecurity in the sub-regions of the country characterised by kidnappings,
wanton destruction of property and killing of innocent citizens with reckless
abandon.
He stated that upon
its passage and subsequent assent by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian
Peace Corps would go a long way to complement the efforts of other existing
security agencies for better results.
He said that all over
the world, security is evolving as the society evolves, adding that with the
alarming unemployment and the high rate of poverty in the land, which has also
complicated the security situation in the country, something drastic must be
done to arrest the situation.
The president of GICN
said the core objective of the reintroduced bill which has passed first and
second readings in the Senate is to “develop, empower and provide gainful
employment for the youth, facilitate peace, volunteerism, community services,
neighbourhood watch, nation-building and related matters.”
“You will agree with
us that the Peace Corps is found in many countries around the world and
recognised in view of the fundamental role it plays in societal harmony and
peaceful co-existence.
“We find it very
unfortunate and ridiculous that today, a government which declined assent to
the Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) Bill passed by the National Assembly in 2018,
citing basically, paucity of funds to run the proposed agency is spending
millions of naira to compensate and negotiate with terrorists and bandits who
have continued to maim innocent citizens without any iota of regard for the
sanctity of life.
“At this point in
time, GICN considers it very necessary to lend its voice to the calls by some
Nigerians, other CSOs and NGOs for the quick passage of the all-important Bill
seeking to give a statutory backing to the Peace Corps of Nigeria which was
registered with Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja in 2004 and internationally
recognized by the United Nations,” he said.
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