Obasanjo Backs Legislating Vigilante Group of Nigeria As Security Outfit

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday's threw his weight behind making the Vigilante group of Nigeria as security outfit in the country.

Obasanjo stated this while playing host to the  leadership of Vigilante Group of Nigeria, that paid him a courtesy call at his Presidential Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital. 

The former President however, said it would be important that the group be supported to make it more effective as a para-military outfit. He also pointed out on the need by the group to be mindful of the fact that, if eventually legalised, it must realise the importance of effectiveness, competence and honesty, as well as respect for human rights.

Obasanjo said: ‘For me, I don’t see any major problem in vigilante group being legislated and formalised, because it will help it to function properly, it will help the communities where they will work. “The point I am trying to make is that in a country of 170million people, you will have  diverse security apparatus. The more organised the better for the community they are to work with’, he added. Obasanjo, who expressed optimism that, the bill to establish it will scale final hurdle at the National Assembly, said there must also be a code of conduct for moderation of their activities, stressing that they should embark on training as well.

Earlier during the meeting, Chief of Staff to the Commander-General Jimoh Aliu, who led the group presented a letter to Obasanjo seeking his assistance and support on the statutory establishment of the body as one of the para-military organisations in the country. 

The four- page letter signed by Aliu stated that, the numerical strength of membership was overwhelming adding that the the group as a voluntary organisation since 1983 has been performing creditably well.

Culled from: Vanguard Newspaper