By Uzo Ugwunze
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD has sustained his advocacy engagements with key security stakeholders across the State, in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, who has approved the hosting of a comprehensive Police Security Summit in Anambra.
Speaking at Obosi community, Idemili North LGA during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Chairman Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka,Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom, CP Orutugu said that the Security Summit is expected to hold across the three senatorial districts of the State, with a grand finale at an agreed venue where Ndi Anambra will converge to deliberate on issues of common concern and proffer solutions to the current security challenges.
“The police security summit will also provide an inclusive platform for dialogue, peacebuilding and strengthening trust between the Police and the communities.
“As part of this initiative, I am here today to pay homage to the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom.
“I am also here to seek the collaboration of traditional institutions in promoting community security and peaceful coexistence.
“The Command assures Ndi Anambra that the Police remains resolute in working with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organizations, civil society groups and other security agencies, towards ensuring a safer and more peaceful Anambra State,” said Orutugu.
Responding to the CP, Eze Iweka III commended the initiative saying that he is volunteering to present a paper during the Police Security Summit.
He also advised the police to be cautious whenever they are making an arrest during criminal investigations saying that the unwarranted massive arrests made during raids in the name of investigation make citizens to shy away from revealing valuable information about criminals and criminal activities.
“People sometimes know criminals around them but fear of harassment, revealing source of information make people afraid of cooperating with security officers when an incident happens or during crime investigation. Retrain your officers to apply professional best practices during investigation and people would be willing to cooperate with the police.,” said Eze Iweka.
Highlights of the visit include the conferring of an award on Eze Iweka III by CP Orutugu in recognition of his contributions towards promoting security, fighting crime and criminalities within Obosi community and beyond. Eze Iweka III also presented some of the books he authored to the CP.
Dignitaries present during the courtesy visit include Area Commander ACP Emmanuel Ugwuanya, Divisional Police Officer Obosi, CSP Augustine Iweala, Anti Cult Unit Obosi Commander, CSP Azeez Nuhu, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwku Ikenga, Igwe and Ndiichie’ Obosi,Ndi Iyom Obosi, Youth Leaders among others.