BENIN CITY – Former Inspector General of the Nigeria Police IGP Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo Rtr has observed that Nigerians are fast becoming more security conscious when compared to his time as the number one cop in the country.
He attributed the high security consciousness of some Nigerians to the dynamic nature of the society and its attendant security challenges.
The former IGP made the observation while speaking shortly after he attended a thanksgiving service of the Edo State Commissioner of police Mr Chris Ezike and family at the St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Benin City, last Weekend.
“Society is never static, it is dynamic, so what happened during my time might not be what is happening today.
“Today Nigerians know that security is for everybody, Nigerians don’t joke with security any more.
“Those days if you tell a Nigerian about security, he will say I beg leave me alone, police go and catch them.
“But today everybody is part of it and I’m happy about that”. Mr Onovo noted.
He however maintained that he was encouraged by the security improvements CP Ezike has made in Edo State even as he described him as a fantastic, refined and discipline police officer who can fit in anywhere.
It will be recalled that Mr Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo was appointed the 14th indigenous Inspector General of Police on July 24, 2009. He succeeded Mike Mbama Okiro while Mr Hafiz Ringin took over from him on September 8, 2010 when the then President Goodluck Jonathan axed some service Chiefs.
Speaking at the event christened “Thanksgiving Service for God’s Mercies and Abundant Blessings on CP Chris Ezike and Family”, the police chief expressed appreciation to God and clergy of the church for inspiring him to take the bold steps to address the security challenges in the state.
“For whatever happens to you that is positive, you must have to realise that it is an act of God and be thankful to Him.
“By our powers and might we can do nothing, but with God all things are possible.
“My elevation, my successes, my being alive, my family, I own everything to God.
“Today, I am most fulfilled that what I said I was going to do I have done it”. CP Ezike stated.
Serving and retired security chiefs, Edo State government representatives, traditional rulers, notable clergy men of the Diocese of Benin Anglican Communion including the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Peter Imasuen, business moguls, wife of the Inspector General of Police Mr Solomon Arase, among others graced the ceremony.
