The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim K. Idris, has commenced massive community involvement in policing as part of initiatives to foster total re-organization and transformation of the internal security architecture of the country.The initiative, named Eminent Persons Forum, entails the coming together of critical stakeholders in various states of the Federation who desire to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring the safety and security of their states.The Imo state chapter of the initiative was inaugurated in Owerri, the state capital by the Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.Delivering his opening address during the inauguration, CP Lakanu, stated that the formation of the Eminent Persons Forum is the brainchild of the Inspector General of Police, whose main objective is to integrate community element in the arduous task of effectively and efficiently policing the state.He added that the innovative idea is in line with the IGPs new leadership paradigm which is anchored on ensuring that our streets, our neighbourhoods, our communities remain safeNo one is surprised that the new IGP has hit the ground running.Kakanu said A man of high level of integrity and professional excellence with several years of experience in the Force, IGP Idris has indeed started very well.Recall that within weeks of his appointment and swearing in, the youthful Police head wasted no time in embracing the enormous task thrust on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.Already, IGP Idris has commenced an unprecedented level of reforms in several areas of the Nigeria Police Force particularly in constructive policing strategies, community policing, capacity development, strengthening intelligence-led policing through the establishment of forensic laboratories across the six geo-political zones of the country, collaboration with sister agencies and the professionalization of the Force.No doubt, these reforms will help to position the role of the Police beyond fighting crime to exploring avenues of properly equipping it to deliver their core mission in this era of complex threats, high environmental demands and reduced budgetary provision.He also commended members of the public on their level of collaboration with the Police in the fight against crime and criminality in the state and pleaded for better and more coordinated cooperation pursuant to the intention of the IGP.According to him, The IGP is of the view that this Forum will offer the necessary partnership and support in solving crime issues as well as enhance police public relations He also enumerated the areas of collaboration between the Forum and the Police to include partnering with the Police in crime prevention and detection, acting as a bridge between the Police and members of the community with the objective of ensuring that the achievements of the Police, especially in the Command are highlighted in their localities; using their esteemed and privileged positions to educated members of the public on the need for peaceful co-existence and friendly neighbourhood relationship regardless of differences in creed, religion or tribe. The Forum is also to assist in mobilizing logistical support in order to facilitate the operation of the Police.In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Samuel Ohiri commended the leadership of the Inspector General of Police and that of CP Taiwo Lakanu in the state who he described as a results-driven Police professional whose tireless efforts have reduced crime to the barest minimum in the state.He stated that CP Lakanus leadership at the State Command has stabilized the security situation in the state, brought peace, and encouraged economic growth, tourism and wealth creation.Eze Ohiri particularly thanked the IGP for his progressive ideas and promised that the traditional institution will do its best to continue to collaborate with the nations primary internal security agency.The state Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Mr. Chima Chukwunyere also commended the initiative and pledged the cooperation of his committee. The Forum will be meeting from time to time to appraise the security situation in the state and offer solutions.
Click here to read full news..
