NSCDC, Peace Corps clash: Authorities make critical statements

Following claims of a rift with the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has denied any friction.

Vanguard reports that the Defence Corps pledged to work with any government agency to improve the security situation in the country.

The NSCDC Spokesperson, Mr Emmanuel Okeh said this in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday in Abuja. Okeh was reacting to reports of friction and alleged fracas between both organisations in Osun in January.

The Senate had in Dec. 2016, passed the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill to empower the youth and operate as a security outfit under the Ministry of Interior.

NSCDC Though, the bill is still awaiting the president’s assent. Okeh, however, said that he was not aware of any fracas between NSCDC officials and the PCN in any part of the country.

“I am not aware of any problem between NSCDC officials and the Peace Corp. The NSCDC is always ready to collaborate with any government agency and NGO to ensure peace and stability in the country,’’ he said.

According to him, though the PCN is not yet a recognised government agency, the NSCDC will be ready to collaborate with it when it comes on stream like it’s been doing with other security agencies.

The NSCDC spokesperson dismissed insinuations that the PCN was just a reduplication of the activities of the Corps, insisting that the role of each organisation would be clearly spelt out by the law.

On any existing relationship between both organisations, he said that the Civil defense corps was not involved in any training of PCN officials or joint operation for now.

He stressed that with the security situation in the country, no security agency could deal with the myriad of security threats confronting the country alone.

Okeh called on Nigerians to continue to support the corps and other security agencies in their bid to ensure a peaceful and prosperous nation.

Source: Legit.ng