By Ewa Innocent, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, has charged the new Commissioner of Police posted to the state, Mr Aliyu Garba, to ensure constant patrolling of the area, especially at nights to rid the state of criminal elements.
Umahi gave the charge while receiving the new Commissioner of Police at EXCO Chambers, new government house, Abakaliki, during a courtesy visit.
The Governor who expressed deep concern over the rising cases of cult activities in the state, tasked the new CP not to allow his men engage in corrupt practises and human rights violations, which according to him was the cause of the last #EndSARS protests.
Governor Umahi told the Commissioner that people have lost confidence in the police following the spate of crime in the state,especially during the tenure of his predecessor, and called on him to restore the confidence of the people on the Police.
In his words, “How can Police officers be inside their offices and hoodlums would attack them and collect their guns?
“This happened more than three times under the same Commissioner of Police and it is unfortunate.
“Cultists would be arrested and three or four days later, they are released into the society to further cause problems.
“I want you, restore the confidence of the people in the Police, we have to wage war against criminals”, he said.
The Governor who is also the chairman, South East Governors Forum, reminded the CP that the problem Nigeria have was lack of patriotism, unlike what is obtainable in the “western part of the world, where people would fight to defend their country”, and described as unfortunate a situation where some leaders instigate violence in the name of Party, stressing that when it comes to security, he has no political party.
Umahi urged the new CP to always deal decisively with anybody found shedding the blood of innocent people in the state, no matter whose ox is gored, assuring that his administration would not relent in its support to the Police to make the CP succeed.
In his speech, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aliyu Garba, while commending Governor David Umahi for his support to the Police, said he would bring his wealth of experience from previous positions to bear, in tackling crimes in the state, including the incessant cult clashes and activities of Fulani Herdsmen.
He emphasised that he was in Ebonyi state to serve the people by protecting lives and properties.
In his words, “I am here to serve the people to improve the security of lives and property. These I am going to pursue through building of confidence of the Officers, show of force with sister security agencies, night patrols under strict supervision among others”.
He further promised to ensure robust and effective policing in the state.
