Abia Government partners Police to strengthen security at grassroots level

Abia State government has expressed its determination to collaborate with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Police Agenda.
It is aimed at strengthening the existing roadmap that will enhance the security architecture or the state and the country at large.

Governor Alex Otti made the commitment at the security town hall engagement forum, an initiative of the Minister of State Police Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The event was held at the International Conference Center (ICC), Umuahia on Thursday.

Governor Otti was full of praise for Sulaiman-Ibrahim, describing her as a dedicated minister driving critical reforms in the country’s security network.

Otti also extended gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership.

The governor commended the collaborative efforts of all security agencies, the traditional council, local governments, the Police Community Relations Committee, members of the State Security Council, and other vital stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to the state’s security.

The minister stated that the town hall meeting was a reflection of the significant shift in her approach to policing.

“As you may be aware, Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 puts the security and welfare of our people as the government’s priority.
“As a responsible government, therefore, Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has placed security at the centre of the administration’s eight (8) priorities, and 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.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim reiterated that at the heart of the 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.

She added that Abia is renowned for its commerce and industry, making it a focal point for trade across the Southeast and beyond, noting that they state’s economic vibrancy, presents specific security challenges, particularly in the areas of business-related crimes.

“Additionally, the state’s strategic location along key transit routes adds another layer of complexity, as it necessitates robust measures to address issues such as road safety, smuggling, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

“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. It is local, and we must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit of a safer nation. This Townhall is therefore part of an extensive series of Townhall engagements across the country to catalyze a grassroot understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions.”

The minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha, added credence to the good work of her colleague, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, while also thanking the governor for providing credible leadership in the state.

Those present included the Member representing the South East on the board of the North East Development Commission Chief Sam Onuigbo, Abia State Police Commissioner CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, Abia State Government functioneries, amongst others.

Other stakeholders took turns to analyse the critical nature of security and the roles of Community policing in Nigeria.

Goodwill messages were presented by religious leaders, traditional leaders and the Police community relations committee (PCRC), Executive Secretary of the Police Trust funds, among others.