… charges on neutrality, professionalism ahead of 2023 polls
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, received the new Edo State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Dankwara, calling for increased collaboration between the police, government and other security agencies to ensure the security of lives and property of Edo citizens.
Obaseki, who received the new CP at the Government House, Benin City, reiterated the need for the police to remain neutral and exhibit a high level of professionalism and fairness as the 2023 general elections near.
The governor said, “I formally welcome you to Edo State as the new commissioner of police in the state. When our former Police Commissioner was promoted, we knew he would be redeployed and were reassured of getting a seasoned police officer who will be sent to the state.
“The former CP did a lot to stabilize security in Edo State, and those we used to achieve a peaceful and secured state are still here. I believe that the CP working with these persons will attain success as well.”
He added, “Last Christmas, there was no single incident of crime in Edo State; this was a great achievement and a great challenge for you as the CP now in the state. We have no doubt that you are here to build on the successes we have achieved as a State.”
On the 2023 general elections, Obaseki noted, “You are coming at a time of high politicking and political campaign in our electioneering and we know you are experienced in this area. Don’t be dragged into our politics. We must maintain law and order and as a government will not allow or accept anybody bringing down the government or state in the name of politics. We will not accept, working with you, any act of disorderly conduct because it will undermine the peace in the state as we will diligently prosecute anyone found wanting.”
Reiterating the need for sustained collaboration to improve security in Edo, the governor said, “The entire security system is one that works very collaboratively with each other. You will help us train our vigilante network in your facility at Ogida Barracks. Your experience will be helpful in the system.
“We will continue to support you as your men need to be highly mobile. We will also collaborate in training as we work with you on this and other programmes.
“We are almost finalising getting numbers to enable people to reach our command and control center and also extend the camera network to wider areas of coverage, particularly around the cities and major highways. We are expanding the street lighting system to more streets and areas to light up the city at night and expand the economic life of the city.
“We are in a war with land grabbing. We urge you to help us champion these courses because I vowed to Edo people that I will deal with land grabbers.”
In his response, the new CP, said, “I promise to do my best with my team as we have already started working tirelessly to ensure a safe and secure Edo. Edo State is one among the states in the federation with a very low crime rate. We thank the governor for creating the enabling environment to achieve this feat. We are already working hard to ensure our people enjoy a peaceful yuletide celebration.”
