Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has tasked the new Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo, to ensure that the state retains its rating as one of the safest and most investment friendly in the country.
Oyebanji posited that his administration places high premium on the safety of all residents of Ekiti State and their property, as well as the zeal security agencies are deploying to make Ekiti unsafe for criminals.
The governor said this on Thursday, while receiving the police top brass in his office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, praised the dogged spirit being demonstrated by the police and Ekiti residents, saying this accounted for why the state is consistently being rated as one of the safest and most investment- friendly in Nigeria.
Describing effective policing as sine-qua- non to development, the governor saluted all the security agencies for their partnership and sense of commitment to duties, urging that this should be sustained for effective intelligence gathering system.
“I want to particularly commend the men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force for their readiness to defend the masses through aggressive patrol day and night.
“I request for more dedication and hard work from our police officers to their duties. This will assure our people that they can sleep anywhere across the 16 local governments with their two eyes closed.
“I want to restate here that it is under the atmosphere of peace that investments can thrive. I plead with you to help rally the support of your men and officers to upgrade their operations and make the state a no-go-area for criminals.
“Please, let us continue to work hard to sustain the tempo of effective policing that will make the state retains its rating as one of the safest and most peaceful in the country.”
Oyebanji advised the CP to work closely with other law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to maintain law and order. Nobody is above the law.
“I want to assure you that the state government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji is ready to provide the needed incentives that will motivate our security agencies to discharge their duties seamlessly.
“We are familiar with all your requests. Mr Governor always has noted them and be rest assured that you will enjoy good working relationship with the government and all other critical stakeholders.”
In his submission, the police commissioner stated that the visit was to further cement the existing synergy the state government and the police had firmly established in a concerted bid to fight crime in Ekiti.
The CP pleaded with Ekiti citizens to help the police by exposing evil doers in their midst.
Eribo promised that as far as internal security is concerned, the Command will spare no effort to reinforce partnership with other security agencies to make Ekiti safe for all citizens.
“Your Excellency, we want you to support us. We need your support. We are not perfect. Wherever we make mistake, we are ready to amend. No matter how good we are, there will always be room for improvement.
“Crime is like a community work. It is the duty of everybody. If we want to make progress in crime fighting, we must all work together,” the police chief stated.
