Effective Policing: Speaker assures A’Ibom Police Commissioner of legislative backing
………………………….The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, has pledged the readiness of the assembly to give the Akwa Ibom State Command Of the Nigeria Police Force the necessary legislative backing that would ensure effective Policing of the state.
Speaker Luke gave the assurance on Tuesday, 20th May, 2017 when he payed host to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Don Awunah and his team at the assembly complex. He commended the police boss for efforts of his men in tackling kidnapping and cult related crimes in the state.
He also applauded the police boss for reduction in cases of accidental discharge and also applauded him for some proactive measures adopted in the fight against crime in the state.
While appreciating the police leadership in the state for its non partisan nature, Barr. Luke commended the Police Commissioner for cooperating with the state government to ensure a crime free society. He assured of the support of the House of Assembly in ensuring the successful domestication of the criminal justice act recently passed.
“We have enjoyed good policing by the police structure in the state. It is not the guns that does work, It is the men that handle the gun, and the men who do handle the gun understands how to use the gun. I must commend the police because we have had reduced cases of accidental discharge. It used to be a reoccurrence”.
“Another thing that the House of Assembly appreciates you for is the establishment of anti-cultism unit. Today we having challenges in our neighbouring States as a result of cult associated crime. People have been killed. You have been proactive to set up this unit. We in the House of Assembly are giving you our strong backing to ensure you carry out the enforcement of that law.
Who so ever no matter who is involved, whether a government official, whether he is the son of a big man, he must be made to face the wrath of the law”.
The Speaker hinted that, the House was exploring possibilities of strengthening the operations of Vigilante groups through an enabling legislation that would properly regulate their activities with a view of ensuring that, its essence was not defeated. He sought for inputs from the police in that regards.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Don Awunah, said the visit to the House of Assembly by the police hierarchy was in acknowledgement of the role played by the legislature as representative of the people. He solicited the support and assistance of the House of Assembly to enable the police in the state discharge its responsibility effectively.
“One of the core values of the Nigeria Police Force is democratic policing, rule of law. The legislative arm of government is the pillar of democracy. The policing we have today is democratic policing. It is people centred.
Why we members of the police management team are here today is to pay respect and to solicit for your assistance. We cannot police without the People’s support, so that the people of Akwa Ibom can enjoy sleep, and have peace of mind “.
Members of the House who were present during the courtesy call include, the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Barr. Ime Okon, Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. David Lawrence, member representing Essien Udim, Hon. Nse Ntuen, member for ITU, Hon. Idongesit Ituen, Oron/Udunguko representative, Hon. Effiong Bassey, Ukanafun representative, Hon. Otobong Jonathan Akpan, Esit Eket /Ibeno representative, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, IKa/Etim Ekpo lawmaker, and Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby. The DPO of the House of Assembly, DSP Onyeka Orj was also present.
Among the Police Commissioner’s team were, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Yekini Ayoku, DCP Operations, Abdul mum uni Gimba, and DCP SCIID, Edward Ayogun. Others are, ACP Banji Lawal, Area Commander, Uyo Area Command, DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu, PPRO, DSP Odiko Medon, Staff officer, Inspectorate, ASP Aehabo Kingsley, Staff officer, ASP Michael Zuokumor and ASP Akukwe Godseud(ICT).
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