Again, members of the Aleruchi-Rumuobasiolu security committee in Rumuigbo have unanimously agreed that henceforward, residents of the areas covered by their operations would no longer be allowed to give excuses for not paying their security dues, as everyone should ensure they possess security cards for the payment security dues as on monthly basis.
It could be recalled that the committee had in the past expressed concern over the way and manner some residents of the areas concerned failed to show commitment to paying security levy which is aimed at ensuring the continuity of neighbourhood security services to the areas.
According to the committee led by Mr. Poroma Apollos, attitude by some residents who refused to cooperate to move the work forward despite successes recorded in the past was capable of discouraging the organizers and particularly the security personnel who often go hungry while they keep watch to ensure the security of the areas.
“There were days that the security boys will go to the malam selling provisions and buy bread and other things on credit, yet they are working. What happens if they decide to abandon the work? I know the state of insecurity in the areas covered before the formation of our community security arrangements- houses were burgled, car batteries were stolen, ladies got robbed and raped sometimes, not to talk about phone theft from 7:00pm each day.
But we have gone past all of that now and some people are still living in denial of realities of the past. It is unfair.”
He accused some residents whom he alleged fail to pay their dues for also holding the committee in contempt, especially during security levies drive.
He said that most committee members are landlords and people involved in one job or business, adding that the need to stay safe and secure was the primary motivation of the committee. He said people should rather support them and appreciate their sacrifices.
The committee chairman appealed to residents, especially landlords and caretakers to help support the work by ensuring that households pay security dues as and when due. He decried attitude by some landlords who after collecting their rents feel unconcerned about security. He asked rhetorically, ” if we have cases of robbery all the time here, tell me which new tenants would like to come to this community?”
He stated that the prevailing relative peace the people are enjoying should not be taken for granted by failure to pay N500 security levy.
He concluded by appealing to residents who were yet to obtain their security cards to come forward, while assuring that everything will be done to ensure accountability.
