Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has commended the Federal Government’s policy of posting officers to their states of origin, describing it as a “fantastic initiative” that would strengthen community policing and enhance security.
Governor Otti gave the commendation on Thursday, when he received 31 indigenes of the State who are members of the newly commissioned officers of the 7th Regular Course of the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano.
The Governor while also commending the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun for the policy, noted that officers deployed to their home States are better positioned to understand the language, culture and terrain, thereby improving trust and collaboration with the people.
“It is a great policy and we welcome it. If they posted you to Maiduguri, maybe before you settle down, before you get used to the culture, the language is also a barrier. But here, if they are speaking any language, you understand. So there are a lot of advantages.
“And I would like to use this opportunity to salute the IGP and his team for that policy. It’s a great policy and we welcome it”, he said.
Governor Otti assured the officers that their welfare requests, including accommodation and mobility, had been noted and promised to extend support through his Special Adviser on Security.
He congratulated them on their successful commissioning and wished them safe journeys back to their duty posts.
Also, a Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barrister Monday Ubani, commended the new policy of posting officers to their home States, adding that it would help nip in the bud crime and other forms of criminality.
“The new policy of the Government in ensuring that those who are from the same State will come back to their State in order to ensure policing arrangement is better, because you know all our places.
“You know where the criminals stay, and know how to nip them in the bud”, he said.
Barr. Ubani urged the young officers to remain focused, honourable and guided by integrity and warned them against turning policing into a transactional affair.
“Don’t get yourself involved in anything that is criminal or fraudulent. You are here to ensure justice to everyone. I see potential Inspectors-General here. Remain focused and God will take you to the top”, he admonished.
Barr. Ubani commended Governor Otti’s leadership and Infrastructural development across the State including the security of lives and property, describing Abia as “the safest State in Nigeria today”.
“I don’t know whether you have noticed throughout this particular Yuletide, we didn’t hear any sad news you know concerning Abia State. Everyone that came, they all went back safely. Abia is the safest State today in Nigeria.
“No single incident whatsoever, and to the glory of God. And that is what good governance can do. And His Excellency is doing so much in order to make Abia safe”.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, ASP Irozuru Justice explained that the officers’ posting back to Abia was part of the Inspector General of Police’s initiative to strengthen community policing by allowing officers to begin their careers among their own people.
ASP Irozuru pledged their total commitment to the peace, security and progress of Abia State, assuring that not to disappoint the people they are called to serve, even at the risk of their lives if necessary.
He appealed for assistance in basic welfare needs such as accommodation, mobility and laptops to aid effective policing and personal development.
According to ASP Irozuru, providing these basic necessities at the formative stage will greatly encourage them, boost their morale as well as strengthen their commitment to discharging their constitutional duty with dedication and honour.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor Otti for his leadership and support and described the Governor as “a father to the masses, a listening leader and a man whose love for Abia State is evident in both words and action.
