A prominent legal practitioner in Ekiti State, Iyanu Olumuagun has attributed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)’s slow response to human rights cases in Ekiti State to lack of adequate funding, training and corruption.
Olumuagun, who is also the Vice Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere-Ekiti Branch, stated that these factors have adversely affected the Corps operational capacity towards responding effectively to human rights issues.
The Chairperson, Human Rights Committee of the branch, stated this in Ado-Ekiti while delivering a public lecture titled “The Role of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Protecting Human Rights in Ekiti State”, organised by the NSCDC, Ekiti State Command.
She acknowledged that NSCDC plays a vital role in protecting human rights in Ekiti State, saying the command has demonstrated its commitment to upholding human rights through its prompt response to human rights abuses, provision of security for vulnerable groups and collaboration with human rights organizations.
Olumuagun called on the federal government to increase their funding for enhanced operational capacity, while also advocating for additional training on human rights and the rules of engagement for NSCDC personnel.
Her words, “The NSCDC faces limited resources, including funding, personnel, and equipment, which hinders its ability to effectively respond to human rights abuses.
“There is corruption within the NSCDC and other security agencies which can undermine efforts to protect human rights.
“Many people in Ekiti State are unaware of their human rights and the role of the NSCDC in protecting them. The NSCDC personnel may require additional training on human rights and the rules of engagement.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) plays a vital role in protecting human rights in Ekiti State.
“Through its prompt response to human rights abuses, provision of security for vulnerable groups, and collaboration with human rights organizations, the NSCDC has demonstrated its commitment to upholding human rights.
“To overcome these challenges and ensure the sustained protection of human rights in Ekiti State, it is imperative that the government increases funding for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enhance its operational capacity”.