Doris Ewoh, Enugu
In commemoration of the maiden National Police Day, the Enugu State Police Command, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has called on different stakeholders to embrace the need for partnership to ensure security in the State, PACESETTER reports.
He made this known during an interactive town hall meeting.
The meeting which was held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Enugu Sports Club, Okpara Avenue, Enugu, had stakeholders discuss the theme “The Police and the Community: Pathways to Strengthening Partnerships for Enhanced Security in Enugu”
In his speech, the Commissioner of Police said the town hall meeting was part of the activities lined up to commemorate the maiden edition of the National Police Day 2025, recalling that on April 19, 2024, President Bola Tinubu designated April 7 as National Police Day, beginning from 2025.
“For decades, there have been no formal recognition of the sacrifices made by police officers who dedicate their lives to protecting Nigerians and maintaining rule of law.
“However, thanks to the President’s proclamation, we now celebrate their contributions through the National Police Day“.
He stated that in ensuring security amongst communities, the Governor of the State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, had already set a pathway with his good investments in procurement of vehicles and other logistics for the security agencies in Enugu State.
In the panel session, the Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Enugu State Chapter, Barr. Venatius Chukwuma Odo commended the Police for a job well done, while stating the need for a declaration of a state of emergency on security in Enugu, considering a lot of happenings in the state.
“Poor citizens can no longer afford the Police because it has been commercialized, extorting money with little or no investigation made.
“Those who stand on the road are hardly found doing any serious work rather than collecting money from motorists, especially from poor Keke drivers”.
Barr. Chukwuma further emphasized on the need for traditional rulers, leaders of town unions, forest guards and vigilante groups to be empowered and armed to take control of their forest because, according to him, they know their forest more than people who will come from afar.
“They say Police is your friend. Is the Police really our friend, especially when we need them the most? If you see something you say something.
“As a journalist, if I see something and say something, will I still go home free?”, quizzed Mrs Agatha, Acting Chairman of Enugu chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, when speaking on the need for the Police to strengthen its relationship with the media.
CP Giwa noted that after he assumed office in the state, he called for a meeting with all the tactical units to address the issue.
He assured the general public that the officers have been warned: “Anyone charging illegally is doing that for himself and may woe betide that person when I get hold of him”.
Stressing on the issue of corruption and extortion, he said the DPOs will be held responsible for any mishap among any police officer under them.
Additionally, he extended an open arm to members of the public to feel free to report matters of concern to the Police through the Public Complaint Bureau and watch the actions he will take.
In his remarks, Alhaji Sambo Yusuf, leader of the Hausa Community in Enugu State, asserted that the perpetrators of the act posing threat to security lived among the people.
According to him, they are working closely with herders and are ensuring a safe environment for farmers.
“The herders in Enugu are under our watch and we are bringing back that trust between the herders and the community”.
PACESETTER reports that attendees included the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Ajogwu, alongside the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, Mr. Vincent Onyeabor.
Also present were heads of security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, market and transport union representatives, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Others included the Police Community Relations Committee, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, youth and student leaders, as well as senior police officers and men of the Enugu State Command.