Reps pass Peace Corps establishment bill after third attempt

The Nigeria House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Peace Corps Bill before it in plenary.

IdanNews learnt that this served as the third attempt in pushing the establishment bill to become law.

The proposed law is titled: “A bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Peace Corps to facilitate Peace, Volunteerism, Community Services, Neighbourhood watch, Nation Building”.

The Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere who moved for the passage of the bill, said the Corps, when established, would encourage volunteerism and get a good number of Nigerian youths engaged and reduce crime.

Meanwhile, the National Commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps, Mr Dickson Akor, has reacted to the passage of the bill, saying it shows there is merit and justification in what is before the National Assembly, as it will add value to the security architecture in Nigeria.

According to the commandant, the bill is also capable of addressing the socio economic challenges confronting Nigerian youths.

He recalled that the last attempt that did not get the assent of former President Muhammadu Buhari was not because of any identified issues in the bill, but that it was transmitted close to the exit of president Buhari.

Said “The peace corps will add value to the security architecture in Nigeria, adding that the passage would rekindle hope of the vast majority of our members.

“We remain eternally grateful to the House of Reps for the expeditious manner they handled the bill under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.