Gov. orji calls for synergy to enable police to succeed

October 07, 2012 07:02

NAN-H-13
Police
Bende (Abia), Oct.7,  2012 (NAN) Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia in Item, Bende Local Government Area, on Saturday called for better synergy and support to enable the police to deal with current  security challenges in Nigeria.
Orji was represented by Mr Vigilus Nwankwo, the Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, during the inauguration of a police station in the town.
He  said, ``for Nigeria to come out of the present security challenge, everybody must partner with security personnel and see security as a collective responsibility.’’
The governor said security received priority in the state because of the administration’s belief that adequate security was vital to other development efforts.
``Crime cannot be eradicated entirely because it is not achievable anywhere in the world. We have drastically reduced crime in Abia through adequate support and partnership with the security agencies,’’ he said.
Orji said that Abia people were happy with the commitment to duty by the  commissioner of police in the state and advised other police officers to emulate their boss.
The governor also commended the people for building the police station, adding that effective policing could be achieved through public/private partnership.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ambrose Aisabor, in an address described the event as historic and a turning point in the history of Item community.
Aisabor said that development could only thrive in a peaceful and conducive environment.
The commissioner called on the people to always assist the police with  information on crime and promised that those who supplied such information would be protected.
He warned the people against lending money to any police man or woman serving in the area.
``It is against the rule of the Nigeria Police Force for anybody to lend money to a policeman.
`` Even if a policeman tells you that his mother is sick, do not lend him or her money because it is not your responsibility.
``What the rule provides is that you can donate money or other material gifts as a goodwill to support the police,’’ Aisabor said.
Bishop Sunday Onuoha, the President-General of Item Development Association (IDA), said the project was conceived by the Lagos branch of IDA in  2009 following the murder of a member of the community.
He commended all the people who  contributed to the project, especially  Amaeke Item community for donating their land.
Onuoha  also commended members of Item Vigilance group for working with the police to provide security for the people. (NAN)
FEO/MO/JCE