By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Governor Alex Otti of Abia has lauded the directive by the Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that newly commissioned officers be posted to their states of origin.
Otti said this, when 31 Abia-born newly commissioned officers of the 7th Regular Course of the Nigeria Police Academy, paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday.
He said that the policy offered several advantages, pointing out that officers posted to unfamiliar environments often faced challenges, such as language barriers, cultural differences and the time required to understand local terrain.
He said that posting officers to their home states would enable them to understand local languages, communities and security dynamics, thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
He commended the IG and his management team for introducing the policy which, he said, was capable of boosting community policing.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the presence of the officers in the state and acknowledged their requests for support.
He assured them that the State Government would consider ways to assist them, as it had consistently done in the past.
He congratulated them on their commissioning, and prayed for their safety as they returned to their various destinations.
Also, Mr Monday Ubani (SAN), who hails from Abia, urged the officers to remain focused and conduct themselves with honour, integrity and honesty at all times.
Ubani cautioned them against involvement in any criminal or fraudulent activities, reminding them that their primary duty is to ensure justice for all.
He advised them not to turn policing into a transactional exercise, lamenting the growing practice, where citizens were usually asked to pay money before their complaints would be attended to.
According to him, policing should be about security and justice, not financial inducement.
He expressed confidence that the officers were a disciplined and professional group brought in to help strengthen security and improve policing in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the officers, ASP Somtochukwu Irozuru, said that Otti’s leadership had restored public confidence and inspired young people to embrace service, integrity and sacrifice.
Irozuru said that they were posted to their state of origin “to strengthen community policing”.
He said that the posting was the first time such a policy had been applied to commissioned officers and described it as a privilege that would deepen their bond with the people.
He appealed to Abia Government for support in welfare needs, including accommodation, mobility and laptops, to enhance effective policing and career growth.
Irozuru also thanked the governor for granting them audience, in spite of his busy schedule and pledged their commitment to the peace, security and development of Abia.
(NAN)
