Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has stated his administration’s resolve to continue supporting security agencies through the provision of logistics, to create a secure environment for investors.
Speaking during the public presentation of a book titled ‘Community Policing in Nigeria: Myth or Reality?’ written by Uche Chukwuma, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), in Port Harcourt, Wike said that his administration would not be deterred by the illegal actions of some policemen.
The governor, who was represented at the event by Chukwuemeka Woke, his Chief of Staff, urged Rivers people to speak out against the evils of the Special Anti-robbery Squad for their own protection.
He said: “We have done everything humanly possible to ensure that we encourage all the security agencies to carry out their duties in line with their constitutional mandate.
“Our support for security agencies is aimed at creating the right environment for the businesses to thrive and for investors to troop to the state.”
The governor stressed the importance of also policing the police. “Like the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that commits crime against the people of the state, people need to speak out. People must continue to voice out against SARS and other errant police officers to check their excesses.”
He urged officers and men of the Nigeria police to work towards promoting the rule of law, instead of using their privileged position to harass law-abiding citizens.
He lauded the retired ACP for his contributions to the maintenance of security, urging serving officers to emulate him.
“The friends, well-wishers and friends of Dr. Uche Mike Chukwuma and the state are gathered today to celebrate this outstanding retired police officer because of his contributions to the country.
“You are a man of character, a man who is not intimidated and a man who does not flow with the tide. After the 2015 elections, we know the role the police played. But when you were called to testify, you stood for yourself and for your God.
“As a state, we celebrate you and salute your courage, and encourage other officers to exhibit courage on the side of truth and to understand that there is a judgment day after your service,” he said.
In his remarks, Chukwuma said the book was aimed at improving the relationship between the police and the community.
He said the book would enhance the security architecture of the country, noting that community policing is the engine room of the security.
