Ndudi Anyim
The new Commissioner of Police in-charge of the Rivers State Police Command, CP Eboka Friday, has declared war on perpetrators of all forms of crime and criminality in the state.
The police boss who was speaking during a maiden press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port-Harcourt, vowed that the Command under his watch will tackle armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes headlong. According to himself, Rivers State is strategic to the economic fortunes of the Country, hence the need to curtail and minimize security challenges in the state. He however assured that operatives will in discharging this new task, adhere to the fundament human rights of citizens, while also acting in line with International best practices.
In his address on Tuesday, CP Friday said: “ Let me state categorically that I am here in the State to tackle crime and criminality headlong, in line with the Vision and Mission of the Inspector General of Police, in accordance with International best practices, Rule of Law and Respect for fundamental Human Rights.“ I shall uphold the tenets of Democratic policing and ensure that innocent citizens do not suffer infraction from my Officers. No efforts will be spared in dealing with all criminal elements in the State.
“ A total war is thus declared against violent crimes like, armed robbery, Cultism and kidnapping etc. To ensure a successful execution, we shall synergize with other sister security Agencies to battle with perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Rivers State shall not be habitable for criminals, as I will spare no efforts in smoking them out of their hideouts.”
The CP further noted that he will adopt six cardinal strategies in policing the state. He said the strategies will be centered on intelligence led policing, community partnership, zero tolerance for corruption, respect for human rights, credible leadership and visibility policing.
“ Under my watch, no person shall be detained unjustly. Arrest by proxy is unlawful and will not be tolerated. No person shall be arrested for someone else’s offence. We shall be polite and civil to members of the public even when enforcing laws.
“ No more accidental discharge. Defaulters will be charged appropriately, while their DPOs will be queried. Force order 237 will remain a subject of lecture on a weekly basis. My administration will adopt an open door policy to, not just members of the Force but to the society in general. “ My men and I shall be professional in dealing with all issues. This involves a high level of neutrality and fairness. Officers shall display commitment to their duties and ensure their men are regularly visited in their beats. Officers who perform well shall be rewarded, while those who prefer to remain lackadaisical will be withdrawn and punished, ” he warned.
While acknowledging the effort of his predecessor, AIG Joseph G. Mukan, he enjoined officers and men of the command to sustain the tempo, and extend same level of support to his leadership.
“ May I acknowledge the efforts of my predecessors, who laid solid foundations in the State. I sincerely promise to consolidate and build on the legacies they left behind, ” he said.
Stating the obvious role the media play, CP Friday urged journalists to cross checking their facts before it goes public, saying’ “ This is because the world relies so heavily on you for credible information”.
He further appreciated the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, for finding him worthy of the task, and promised to deliver on his new role.
“ I appreciate the IGP for finding me worthy in character and competence to be posted to Rivers State, to carry out the core mandate of the Force and expand the frontiers of policing in the Command.
“ On my part, I promise to do my utmost best to justify the confidence reposed in me. My primary assignment is to secure the lives and property of the good people of Rivers State with integrity, politeness and civility, ” he said.