Date: 2017-01-16

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has urged the National Assembly to ensure quick passage of the bill for the statutory establishment of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN)

Sulu Gambari made the call when he received the delegation of the VGN who paid him a courtesy call in his palace. The Emir noted that security challenges confronting Nigeria required that all hands be on deck.

He said the VGN bill was necessary to assist other security agencies, particularly the police in the task of community policing. However, he appealed to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and other lawmakers to ensure the quick passage of the bill.

He recalled that the VGN in the state has been very effective in dealing with issues of hooliganism and public disturbance by some youths in different parts of Ilorin Emirate.

In his address, the Commander General, VGN, Alhaji Ali Sokoto who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Jimoh Aliu, said the VGN has performed credibly in securing lives and properties of people, especially in the North East region of the country where some innocent Nigerians have lost their lives and properties to insurgency and internally displaced across the country.

He recalled that other similar organisations which were registered as voluntary groups, like the VGN which was registered since 1983, have been considered.

"It is within this context that I hereby seize this opportunity to request for your highness' assistance and support on the statutory establishment of the VGN as one of the paramilitary organisations in the country by the Federal Government ".

Also speaking, one of the proponents for the passage of the bill and a VGN leader in the state, Alhaji Oba Ajara emphasised the importance of the bill.

In his remarks, the state Commander of VGN, Mr Sadu Bokorunduro expressed gratitude to the emir for supporting the call for the passage of the law. He assured Kwarans of the commitment of all VGN members in the state, charging members across local governments to show more dedication to work.