Orsu lawmaker’s Bill on mandatory installation of CCTV in public places for security reasons scales second reading

By CHINYERE Nnaemeka

A Bill for a Law to make the installation and maintenance of close circuit television (CCTV) in all public spaces mandatory in Imo State, has scaled through second reading at the State House of Assembly.

This took place on Wednesday during the House plenary.

The bill which is also captioned a “Public safety surveillance Law”, was sponsored by the member representing Orsu state constituency in the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Agabige.

Presenting the bill, Agabige pointed out that the security situation in not just the state, but the country at large has warranted the need for CCTV to be installed in public places for effective monitoring of our environment.

This he said would aid security agencies with their investigations and for prompt decoding of the true situation of events in the cause of any issue, especially the negative ones that may ensue in the state.

Agabige continued that the installation of the CCTV will promote public safety, prevent crimes and enhance the overall quality of life for the people of the state.

The members of the public; property owners, business owners, management of parks, recreational centers, educational institution, worship centers, Government establishment among others he averred, are expected to partner with the State Government in this regards, by making sure to instal, monitor, and maintain the cameras in their establishments.

According to him, “the objective of the Bill is to enhance public safety and security, aid in the prevention of violence, crimes, and it’s early detection. Provide evidence for law enforcement and judicial purposes. To reduce the scope of ungoverned spaces by bringing every part of Imo State under the new Imo State security architecture that will be technology-driven. To promote a secured environment for residents, businesses, and visitors, among others.

“All public places must be equipped with CCTV systems, the installation must be carried out by authorized persons or entities. The placement of cameras must ensure maximum coverage, and effectiveness without infringing on individual privacy beyond what is necessary for public safety.

“The CCTV systems must be regularly maintained to ensure functionality, and maintenance schedules and logs must be kept and made available for inspection by authorized personnel.

“Any owner of a public place who fails to maintain its CCTV system or fails to keep maintenance schedules and logs commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of 300,000.00 or six (6) months imprisonment’, Agabige disclosed’.

Commenting on the bill, among others, was the Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri (Oru East) who reiterated how pertinent it is for the CCTVs to be installed, maintained for prevention of crimes and protection lives.

Rt. Hon. Obinna Egu (Ngor Okpala) followed suit by saying that the import of the mandatory installation of the cameras cannot be overemphasised with the increased incidence of crime in the society, which according to him would be reduced significantly when the bill is passed into law and enforced.

Also contributing, the Orlu lawmaker, Hon. Ikenna Ihezuo, added that the public institutions partnering with the state government in the installation of cameras would go a long in ensuring that the intent of the bill is accomplished.

After other contributions in support of the bill, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma) committed the bill to the House Committee on Transport for them to submit their report to the House on September 25, 2024.