WorldStage– Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has given thumbs up to the policy by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, of posting police officers to serve in their home states.
Speaking while receiving in audience 31 newly commissioned Abia born Police Officers of the 7th Regular Course of the Nigerian Police Academy, who were equally posted back to serve in Abia State in line with the new policy of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Otti described the initiative as a commendable and noble policy.
He described the policy as fantastic, saying that such indigenous officers know all nooks and crannies of their home States.
“It is a fantastic policy to post officers to their home States. You know all the nooks and crannies of where you come from.
“If they had posted you to Maiduguri, maybe before you settle down, before you get used to the culture, the language is also a barrier.
“So here, if they are speaking any language, you will understand. So, there are a lot of advantages.
“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”, Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor said that, there is nothing that happens around the State that his government does not know and assured of his resolve to continue to pay priority attention to security in the State.
Governor Otti urged them to be focused and desist from unwholesome practices, but serve with integrity. He noted the requests made by the officers and assured of his willingness to support them in tackling the challenges they raised.
The State Chief Executive added that the support they would receive from his government would get to them through the Special Adviser on Security.
Also, speaking, an Abia stakeholders and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Monday Ubani, while commending the policy of posting officers back to their home States to commence their service, said that the policy would enhance policing and ensure that indigenous officers who know the criminals, terrain and hideouts can nip their activities in the bud.
Dr Ubani, who said that Governor Otti is emerging as the best Governor in Nigeria, having performed very well and made Abia safe, challenged the officers to be focused in discharge of their duties.
“So, I want you to remain very honourable. Let your life be governed by integrity, honesty. Don’t get yourself involved in anything that is criminal.
“Don’t get yourself involved in anything that is fraudulent. You are here to ensure justice to everyone. As a Police officer, don’t make policing transactional”, Dr Ubani stated.
Earlier in his speech, on behalf of his colleagues, ASP Irozuru Somtochukwu Justice said that they came on a courtesy visit to the Governor, having been commissioned and posted to Abia, their home State.
He said that their posting to serve in Abia State in line with the IGP’s new policy, “will help strengthen our bond with our State and deepen our resolve to protect our people even at the risk of our life if need be.
“Our posting back home after commissioning is part of the Inspector General of Police initiative to strengthen community policing by allowing officers return to their State of origin to begin their career among their own people.
“This initiative fosters trust, collaboration and effective community policing”, He stated.
ASP Irozuru, who appealed for support in basic welfare needs of the officers, to support effective policing and personal development commended Governor Otti for his people-centred policies, which he described as a sincere commitment to the welfare of the common man in Abia State.
“Abians have witnessed purposeful leadership, people-centred policies and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the common man.
“Your works speak louder, and loudly across Nigeria and they continue to inspire young people like us to believe that service, integrity and sacrifices still matter”, The newly minted cop stated.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd), among other government officials were present at the event and the new Police officers presented a photo portrait as a gift to the Governor.
