SERAP conducts peer-learning session with Neighbourhood Watch in Bayelsa

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

The Socio- Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP) has conducted a peer-learning session with members of the Neighbourhood Watch in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The deputy director, SERAP, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, disclosed that the enhancement session conducted under the Neighbourhood Watch in Bayelsa State is to expose members to the rights, duties and obligations in society.

According to him, the exercise has become imperative in view of the clamour for State Police, growing insecurity, and community policing

Oluwadare explained that the Neighbourhood Watch, being an integral part of the security apparatus of the community, must exercise its functions within the ambit of the law and not violate

it.

He further explained that the exercise is part of SERAP’s mandate to empower stakeholders with citizen education.

‘’Basically, it’s part of our mandate: citizen engagement, citizen education. Don’t forget, first and foremost, they are citizens. They are citizens of Nigeria and members of this community. So they have been empowered; we have fulfilled our mandate.

‘’Now they know more, to serve the community more, to serve the community. We are doing the same thing in Benue.

Under this project, people-centered public safety, we are doing two pilot states: Bayelsa and Benue states. We are doing this in Benue next month. This is for Bayelsa; we have Benue next month.

‘’And then, after the project expires for about three years, then we can think of scaling it all across the 36 states of the country. ‘’

Mr Bolou- Sobai Woriepere, the commander of the Neighbourhood Watch, Amassoma, commended SERAP for the peer-learning session.

He stated that it has helped its members to know steps they can take to avoid clashes with members of the Nigeria Police Force in the course of their duty.