…As Erema Community Assures Police Of Partnership In Crime Fighting
The people of Erema Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have reiterated their commitment to partner with the security agents in any way possible to fight crime and criminality in the area to a standstill.
The Paramount Ruler of Erema, HRH, Eze Azubuike Georgewill III (JP), the Onha I of Erema Town (the Eze Ali Erema-Ukwu of Ogbaland) stated this over the weekend when the community rolled out the drums to welcome the newly appointed Police Area Commander to Omoku, ACP Ihebom Chukwuma.
He made it clear that in their quest to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment for the security agents to do their assignment, Erema Community will not only render logistics support to them but would volunteer useful information needed.
He said: “We shall volunteer useful information to the police to do their job well but the police in turn should also treat such information and the informants with utmost confidentiality in the interest of all.”
The Paramount Ruler of Erema Community however appealed to the Police Officers to cooperate with him whenever there is need to intervene in any civil matter involving his subjects.
The monarch however made it clear that he would never intervene in any form when criminal matters are involved especially those relating to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, rape and murder cases.
He used the opportunity to assure the Area Commander that Erema Community which prides herself as one of the most peaceful and most organized communities in Orashi region of ONELGA will ensure that the senior police officer also gets a touch of their hospitality as he leaves the area by honouring him with a chieftaincy title.
“In our proposed chieftaincy installation to honour some of our illustrations sons soonest, ACP Chukwuma’s name would be recommended for such honour”, the monarch stated.
To cement the relationship, the oldest man in Erema Community, Chief Zacheus E. Isabu JP said to be about 95 years of age was called upon to pray and usher blessings for the good, safety and growth of ACP Chukwuma, above his equals in his chosen carrier to become Commissioner of Police and the Inspector- General of Police some day in the future.
Responding, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chukwuma said he was overwhelmed by the show of love for him and his entourage by the Ereme Paramount Ruler and his people.
He thanked them for volunteering to support the security agents in their assignment, adding that their job of crime control, maintenance of law and order as well as protection of lives and property cannot be complete without the active support of the citizens.
He promised to give their all and as well respond to distress calls at all times with the established relationship.
A member of the police entourage and Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Egi/Obite Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Amos Taiwo Olugbenga, in a press interview said he has restored peace in the area. On whether he has any challenges so far in his area of jurisdiction, he said:
“All the challenges we face are surmountable except mobility. All our three (3) patrol vehicles are demobilized due to engine problem”. He further stated that the police would be happy if they are assisted financially to put the vehicles in order to serve the people better.
Also speaking, the Unit Commander of the Special Armed Robbery Squad (SARS) station at Erema, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mac Frank A. said they were working harmoniously with the Paramount Ruler and Community to maintain law and order.
He assured that the new improved SARS department had equally improved in their Civilian/Police Relations and by implication their services to the people.
He maintained that with the situation on ground, one can confidently describe the police as our friends any day and so aspire to improve their working relationship for mutual benefits.
All segments of the community including the Community Development Committee (CDC), Youths forum, Ofor holders and council of chiefs were present at the ceremony.
Traditional Rulers from the nearby communities also witnessed the event including, HRH Eze Ndubueze Isoma, Eze Ukwu Logbo II of Ekpeye/Ogba/Ikwerre Kingdoms and HRH, Eze Clinton Elemele, Eze Ohugbo-ali I of Ogbaland. The “Ogwudugwu Oriedi-Erema” dancing group performed at the event.
