By CrossRiverWatch admin
Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has attributed the safe and secure environment which Cross River State currently enjoys as reasons for the influx of investors into the state.
Arase stated this Tuesday, when he led the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Fadairo and other police chiefs on a courtesy visit to the state governor, Senator Ben Ayade at the Exco chamber of the Governor’s office, Calabar.
His words: “From the trend and pattern of crime, I can say that we have been able to maintain a very safe and secure environment in Cross River state and that explains why socio-economic development of the state has been robust.”
Disclosing that Cross River was the 34th state he was visiting since assumption of office as the IGP, Arase explained that he was in the state to share his vision with police officers as well as partner with major stakeholders in order to achieve the objectives of modern policing which he argued “cannot be achieved except you are able to connect with the communities.”
The IGP who said although the Nigeria Police Force is on the Exclusive list, however, argued that the federal government cannot handle all issues pertaining to security alone.
He said: “We still have to bend over backward to seek the assistance of the various states governors in ensuring that we get logistics and other motivations in place.”
He disclosed that the introduction of social housing as a deliberate reform was aimed at boosting the wellbeing of police Inspectors and other ranks and files, even as he solicited a parcel of land from the state government to replicate the gesture in the state.
“If a person does not have a house to move into after 35 years of service or at the attainment of 60 years, which ever that comes first, it creates a lot of psychological effect and he will engage in unprofessional conduct, so I have started building houses and the first set of 400 houses were delivered last week,” IGP said.
He said that this will help provide them with adequate education while positioning their parents in a good frame of mind to work hard.
Arase who encouraged the Police Commissioner, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to embrace the strategic stakeholders meeting for effective community policing, also announced his resolve to open up social network for the public to report police conduct within their domain.
His words: “we have come to serve and to serve you better, we do not have anything to hide, we were civilians before we joined the police force and we must do things that are in line with international best practices.”
Responding, Governor Ayade who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, commended the IGP for rebranding the police which he noted, “may not be unconnected with his wide experience and training.”
Ayade also applauded Arase for the introduction of the social housing scheme, pointing out that the initiative was in tandem with the policy of the present administration in the state.
The governor assured that “the ministries of Social Housing, Lands and Environment in the state will partner with you to ensure that you get an appropriate site to commence the housing project for these officers to dwell after retirement.”
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