A renown security expert in Nigeria who is grounded in community policing, HRH Eze (Capt) Promise Wodi Chekwas, Agwu Sega-eli (I) of Oropotoma, Evo Kingdom, in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State has stated that crime and criminality might not be eradicated in the society but can be controlled if government is sincere and partner with the technocrats in the sector.
He stated this over the weekend in his palace when he was chatting with newsmen.
The Sandhurst trained retired military officer expressed delight at the setting up of the community policing outfit at this point in time by the federal government, adding that this is the only solution to the security challenges of the country as every community knows each other and can identify the criminals among them.
Eze Chekwas however advised the stakeholders to identify with the technocrats in the society and as well call for a security submit to brainstorm on the way forward.
This he noted, is to avoid duplication of duties or where the security outfits would be working in parallel lines as according to him, “all the outfits under whatever names including the proposed Neghbourhood watch are under community policing and such should be harmonized to partner with the Nigeria police who will give them backup services for effectiveness .
The security consultant who disclosed that some of the courses he read were “crisis management and conflict resolution” boasted that he was behind the success story of the almighty OSPAC security outfit that is making waves in Rivers State.
“My boys are in all these security outfits working with my experience and expert advice”, he said.
He maintained that their services have drastically reduced crime in the state especially kidnapping to the barest minimum”, especially in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state.
The monarch said their services involves crime prevention, crime control and crime detection.
“We are sometimes involves in whistle blowing to the police as we don’t have the power to arrest or detain sudpects”, he said.
On the reason for the rising crime in the society, Captain Chekwas (rtd) said it is due to mismanagement by those who are not technocrats in the business. He argued that with the setting up of welfare programmes and other social services for the unemployed youths, it is enough to checkmate their idle brains.
The second class traditional ruler awaiting re-certification used the opportunity to advise Rivers people and residents to obey all government’s directives and observe personal hygiene regarding the coronavirus pandemic, adding that the disease is real and deadly.The Elelenwo-born traditional ruler made it clear that all the effort of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike including the lockdown order was in good faith, to keep everybody alive and safe.
