Matilda Omonaiye/
Former Commissioner of Police (CP) in Akwa Ibom State, Kenneth Ebrimson today assumed office as the new police boss in Ogun State with a promise to discard the policing strategy put in place by his predecessor, Imohimi Edgal.
It would be recalled that Edgal, a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos, had taken over the command but, was later swapped with Ebrimson in Akwa Ibom State.
Ebrimson, who arrived at the officers’ mess in Abeokuta at exactly 2.30 pm. was received by officers of the command led by the immediate-past Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the handing over ceremony, Embrison said he would not continue with the recent policy announced by Edgal to fight corruption, but set up his own policies that would achieve better results.
He said his strategy of policing would be centred on physical policing, intelligence and respect for human rights.
He noted that the state would experience robust policing and high visibility, adding that it would curb criminal activities in the state.
Ebrimson added: “I will come up with mine, I have a hotter one because I have seen it. I have been in theatres of wars, where there are criminalities. I have been in a theatre where there is banditry, I have been in a theatre where there is cattle rustling, I have been in a theatre where there is kidnapping.
“So, I have what it takes to cage some of these crimes and I will soon hit the ground. The tripod I will fall on is physical policing, intelligence-led policing and respect for human right and human dignity. That is the tripod on which I will stand to ensure that I give better service delivery to the people of Ogun State.
“You have to expect robust policing, high visibility physical policing on the ground. This is a familiar terrain and the environment is very familiar to me and I have served in different environments in parts of this state.”
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, also warmed criminals to stay clear of the State as his administration has zero-tolerance for crimes and criminal activities
Prince Abiodun who gave the warning in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, while playing host Ebrimson, said the State would be intolerant to any form of crime or criminality.
“As a Gateway State, bordering some States and a neighbouring country, this comes with advantages and disadvantages. It means that criminals also go through our State. We will continue to be innovative and very intolerant to crimes and criminalities in this State.
“There will be no room for any criminal in this State. We will not tolerate it. We intend to keep the peace we are enjoying and that is why we are putting in place measures to ensure that the overflow from Lagos translates into a society where people can come and live, work and play without any fear of being attacked, robbed, kidnapped or live with any foreboding fear of criminal behaviour.
“We enjoy the overflow from Lagos State. All the industrial, business and residential activities are good. People want to live and work here. There is a lot of traffic here and of course, these come with attendant security challenges and we have resolved to prepare for that,” he said.
Prince Abiodun reiterated that security remains on the front burner of his administration and so would do all within its powers to sustain the peace the State was currently enjoying.
“For us, the issue of security is number one. Our vision is to create a conducive environment for Public-Private Sector Partnership because we cannot afford to fund all the projects we intend to embark on by ourselves. We have to look at bringing in potential investors to partner with us. If we want to do that, we must have a state that is peaceful.
“We believe that is the only way we can enhance the economic potentials of the State and if the economy of the State is where it should be, it will percolate down to individual prosperity,” he said.
The Governor commended the outgoing Police Commissioner, Mr. Bashir Makama for doing a good job while in the State. He attributed the peace in the State to the excellent cooperation and relationship with the police force in achieving a crime-free society.
While pledging that his government would continue to support the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the State to discharge their constitutional duties, the State helmsman welcomed the new state police boss for coming to familiar terrain, having served in all the three senatorial districts in the State in various capacities in the past.
Ebrimson said he was in the State to serve the people as a crime fighter. He said as someone on the field, he would work tirelessly to reduce to the barest minimum, crimes and criminalities.
He promised to guarantee the safety of lives and property of the people no matter who is involved.
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