‘Neighbourhood watch’ to support security agencies, says Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has explained that the planned Neighbourhood Watch is to complement the security agencies across the state.

The governor made the clarification following allegation that a section of the bill proposed that the operatives would carry arms.

He said: “The sole aim of the neighborhood Watch Bill is to support security the agencies with intelligence and information to prevent criminality in the state.” 

He made the disclosure at the commencement of work on the Isiodu Road, in Emohua Local Government Area of the state. 

Wike announced that he would sign the bill, which has already been passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Meanwhile, some civil society organisations and the state All Progressives Congress (APC), have condemned the Bill, saying it would escalate crimes and killings in the State.