From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Federal Government said it has began the implementation of renewed hope police agenda for effective internal security of the country.
This was disclosed in Umuahia, Abia State by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim during a Citizens Town Hall engagement on strengthening Community policing in Nigeria.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said since Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution puts the security and welfare of the people as the government’s priority, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed security at the centre of its eight priorities.
“We have commenced the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, which will ensure that our police force is strategically positioned to fulfil its mandate.
“At the heart of this Renewed Hope Police Agenda is the implementation of a community policing strategy that is designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation of members of the various communities and stakeholder blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership.”
The Minister of State said the economic vibrancy of Abia state presented specific security challenges, particularly in the areas of business-related crimes, which she said with community policing, the challenges would be tackled.
“Despite these challenges, Abia State has consistently shown resilience, and we are here to help strengthen it further.We have a clear appreciation that security begins at home.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed that the Town hall meeting was part of an extensive series of Town hall engagements across the country to catalyze a grassroot understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions.
She enumerated six foundational pillars that will serve as strategic frameworks to redefine and strengthen the Nigeria Police Force for optimal performance.
Governor Alex Otti said his administration places zero tolerance to criminality in the state.
Otti said it was to tackle the security challenges he met in the state when he assumed office that he established the operation crush security outfit which he said he performed excellently in reducing crime in the state.
He commended the Federal Government for coming up with community policing, a strategy he said would assist in tackling security challenges across the country.
Minister of State Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha expressed joy over the Town Hall meeting which she will help Abians to more security conscious.
She commended Governor Otti for tackling the security challenges in Umunneochi which she said has brought succour to the people