The Bayelsa State Government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining and strengthening peace and security across the eight local government areas of the state.
The Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, made this known while receiving a draft copy of the proposed Community Peace Commission Bill from the State Peace Architecture (SPA), a non-governmental organisation, at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Akpe explained that the state already has several existing laws aimed at addressing security challenges, including legislation against cultism, kidnapping, and other related offences. He noted that the proposed bill would serve as a complement to these existing frameworks once fully reviewed and adopted.
He added that the draft would undergo thorough scrutiny by relevant government institutions to ensure it aligns with current laws guiding peace and security in the state.
Highlighting the importance of stability to development, the Deputy Governor stressed the need for a security trust fund in Bayelsa State, similar to the existing Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), to encourage broader stakeholder participation in security management.
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“I appreciate your organisation for this initiative. On matters of peace and security, we already have several laws in place, some of which may require amendments. These include the anti-kidnapping law, the anti-cultism law, and the anti-open grazing law. All of these are aimed at strengthening our control over security-related issues in the state,” he said.
He further explained that steps were already underway to establish a Security Trust Fund, adding that an amendment bill had been sent to the State House of Assembly to support the initiative.
Earlier, presenting the draft bill on behalf of the State Peace Architecture, Nimi Barigha-Amange explained that the proposed legislation was structured into three levels, covering community, local government, and state frameworks.
He expressed optimism that the proposal would receive prompt consideration from the appropriate authorities.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of SPA, Preye Inebaraton, outlined the guiding principles behind the proposed law, noting that the initiative was supported by international partners, including the European Union and Search for Common Ground.
He commended the state government for its investments in the security sector, stating that such efforts have contributed significantly to making Bayelsa one of the more peaceful states in the country.
According to him, the SPA operates a non-violent, community-based conflict resolution system through trained volunteers, designed to address disputes at the grassroots level.
The event was attended by several stakeholders, including representatives from the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, civil society organisations, and advocacy groups, all of whom expressed support for the proposed peace initiative.
