BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Governor Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa has called for Police officers on the field to be given the right tools to work. He noted that, the Police Force has a fundamental role to play in securing the highways, homes and communities.
Governor Okowa who stated this yesterday while commissioning the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Base 25, of the Nigeria Police Force, Asaba, noted that, Delta State has not experienced the ugly spectre of widespread banditry and kidnapping that is currently the lot of other States.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, said the commissioning of SPU infrastructural in Akwuofor, Asaba reflects the desire and commitment of government to continue to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in fighting crime and securing the State.
The governor noted that, maintaining peace and security has been a priority since 2015 when his administration came on board. He noted that, the state government have not spared any effort or resources to assist and support law enforcement agencies in the discharge of their duties.
“We believe that our security agencies and personal need to be properly cared for, motivated and provided with decent working environment. In October 2016, we donated 10 Hilux patrol vans to the Command headquarters in the state to ensure ease of movement and swift response to distress calls”.
” I am persuaded that these facilities will complement what the Force already has on ground as well as enhance their operational efficiency. It is my hope that the rank and file of the Force will reciprocate these kind gesture of the State government through renewed commitment to their work”. Gov. Okowa Stated.
While noting that the country is currently severely challenged with myriad security problems, the governor urge the members of the Force to rise up to the challenge with courage and determination, adding that they must not let the people lose faith in the ability of the government to protect them.
“The criminal elements in our midst have gone very sophisticated. The Nigerian Police Force must be a step ahead of them by making sure that the me and officers of the Force are sufficiently geared to flush out these criminal wherever they are found. As a government, we are constantly exploring and engaging new avenues to boost our security operations as a preventive measure”. Gov. Okowa stated.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu who was represented by AIG Peter Ogunyanwo, noted that, the Special Protection Unit was established in 2009 to fortify security around Very Important Personalities (VIPs) and Diplomats. He added the the unit additionally provides support for the anti-crime moves of the Nigeria Police.
He charged officers and men of the new SPU Base 25 in Asaba to always sustain the ethics and code of conducts of the Nigeria Police in discharging their duties by avoiding illegal duties, shun corrupt practices and any act that is capable of jeopardizing the Standard Operating Procedures and denting the image of the force.
Al’s the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Akwuofor Community Landlord and Tenants Association, Pastor Jossy Honnah noted that government choice of locating the SPU Base in Akwuofor Community, will further improve the security of lives and properties in the area.
Pastor Honnah use the ocassion to appeal to state governor to construct more roads and drainage system in Akwuofor and Umuda communities to check the menace of flood that is currently ravaging the community. He also call for government assistance towards establishing polling units in the community.