The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has urged the National Assembly to ensure a quick passage of the bill for the statutory establishment of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

Sulu-Gambari made this appeal when he received the delegation of the VGN, that paid him a courtesy visit in his palace on Tuesday.

The Emir noted that the security challenges confronting Nigeria required that all hands must be on deck.

He said the VGN bill was necessary to assist other security agencies, particularly the police, in the task of community policing.

The traditional ruler therefore implored the Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki and other lawmakers to ensure the quick passage of the bill.

He recalled that the VGN in the state had been very effective in dealing with the issues of hooliganism and public disturbance by some youths in different parts of Ilorin emirate.

In his address, the Commander General of VGN, Prof. Jimoh Aliu, said the group had performed credibly in securing lives and property of people, especially in the North East region of the country.

Aliu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ali Sokoto, noted that similar organisations that registered as voluntary groups like the VGN, registered since 1983, had been considered.

“In view of this development, I seek the assistance and support of your highness for the statutory establishment of the VGN, as one of the paramilitary organisations in the country by the Federal Government,” he said.

Aliu assured the people of Kwara of the commitment of all VGN members to the security of lives and property in the state.