In the spirit of reconciling aggrieved member of Rivers state council of Traditional chiefs, the Rivers state commissioner of police Tunde Ogunsakin continued his tradition of consultative reasoning in holding a meeting with the Rivers State council of traditional rulers at Delta hotels, Port Harcourt.
COMPOL Ogunsakin in his address to the royal fathers expressed his enormous respect for traditional institutions and also stated that the forum was predicated on the need to ensure peace and security in the state. He used the opportunity to reiterate his mission in the state. A mission to enforce the law, maintain peace and order in the state to ensure a crime free society, so that there would be peace and order across the length and breadth of Rivers State. The Police chief also stated the policy thrust of his administration as strengthening, restructuring as well as revamping the Rivers State Police Command towards a more result oriented policing. He went on to highlight the key features of his partnership efforts with traditional rulers who in his words stand as agents in ensuring peace and security.
The chairman, RSCTR, His Royal Highness G. N. K. Ginikanwo, Gbenemene Tua Tai, beaming with smiles, formally welcomed the CP to the state and gave kudos to him for adding to his string of trailblazing efforts by initiating such a forum for the first time in the state. He in the same spirit gave assurance of the council’s willingness to work with the commissioner who he described as a complete professional policeman.
In the interactive session that followed, a number of issues were raised by the Royal fathers present. The issues raised include; the need to locate the point of supply of arms into the state, fully equip Police in communities, and provide protection for traditional rulers and well meaning informants.
Other issues raised are the need for Police to discredit false information and address the rise of vigilante groups.
The traditional rulers also pointed out areas of improvement of the Police in Rivers state. Sighting the fight against kidnapping, cultism and other forms of criminality as well as the cordial relationship the new CP has established with service chiefs, the Governor and other stakeholders.
In His closing response CP Ogunsakin spoke of the current stop and search of the Police in their attempt to mop up all arms and ammunitions in wrong hands. He also gave assurance of the Rivers state Police commitment to improve Policing in the state through equipping and partnership as well as increasing number of Police posts. He further took time to emphasize that the command takes adequate steps in verifying information before acting. He stated that all vigilante groups must be accredited and registered with the police before becoming operational.
The meeting came to an end with the Royal fathers promising to feed the commissioner of police necessary information that will help them in building a crime free society.
