Town Hall Meeting: Eleme Council Boss, Police Interface with Alesa, Agbonchia People

…Call for Unity Against Insecurity

The Executive Chairman of Eleme local government area, Hon. (Barr.) Philip Okparaji and the Police Area Command Eleme have called on the people of Alesa and Agbonchia ward to join force with the government and security agencies in bringing an end to crime and any act capable of breaching peace and security of lives and properties in the area.

The call was made  the meetings held consecutively at Alesa and Agbonchia town halls having in attendance the Traditional Rulers, Youth groups, Chiefs, Elders, other stakeholders and members of the communities.

Speaking at the meeting in Alesa town hall, the Executive Chairman of Eleme LGA, Hon. (Barr.) Philip Okparaji stated that the police and the local government have teamed up in common front to tackle crime and insecurity in the area urging members of the community to join the fray, he pointed out that security is a collective responsibility and everybody must play their part.

Barr. Philip who charged parents to caution and discipline their wards against involving in criminality pleaded with all those involved in illegal act to stop forthwith before it will be late. Speaking on the need for the people to enlist credible persons in the vigilante, he warned that any body with criminal records enlisted among the Vigilante will be disgraced or arrested.

He also informed the people of Alesa of the plan by the state government in constructing a new road from Woji via Aleto to Alesa adding that the road will bring development to the area.

In Agbonchia the Eleme LG Boss stressed on peace and unity pointing out that without peace and unity no meaningful development can be achieved.

Recalling heavyweights and influential leaders of past and present in Agbonchia including the late Barr. Adeya Ngei Adeya, Chief Jike J. Wai, the immediate past Rector of Kenule Saro Wiwa Polythecnic, Sir (Dr.) Obianko Elechi amongst others he challenged the Youths of the ward to sustain the legacy of their forefathers instead of investing vigor in cultism and criminality which will only shorten their life span. He challenged them to become sons and daughters Agbonchia will one day be proud of.

He called on the people to do away with cultists and criminals in their midst pointing out that fighting, violent agitation and unruly behavior has no lasting benefit urging them to unite and cooperate with each other and the government to bring lasting solution to the list of problems in the community particularly the encroachment of Agbonchia land by aliens.

On his part, the Commander of Eleme Area Command, ACP Martins Nwogoh, explained that the purpose of the Community Town Hall meeting was to take the campaign against crime to the doorsteps of the people and sensitise them on the ills of criminality.

ACP Nwogoh pointed out that crime has ripple effect in any community including capital flight and underdevelopment, urging the people to “SEE SOMETHING and SAY SOMETHING”. According to him, with that act, criminals will find the area uncomfortable. He further stated that the sensitisation campaign is in three phases. ‘Show of Force’ which involves patrolling of the communities by the police, Town Hall meetings in the Ten clans of Eleme while the last phase is the mopup or all out war on criminals.

Stressing that parents and community leaders must caution their children and relatives against crime ACP Nwogoh added that Phase 1 is completed, after Phase II all criminals arrested will be transferred and prosecuted adding that if anyone seeks release of arrested criminals, they will be arrested as well.

In the meantime the leaders of the two communities have commended the move by the local government Chairman and the Area Commander, they said giving the people the opportunity to make input in the security architecture is a welcome one.

They described the meeting which was intense with heated debates and far-reaching resolutions as a welcome idea and a first of its kind as it availed the people especially the youths and elders an avenue to vent their emotion.

Speaking at Alesa, Paramount Ruler of Alesa HRH Emperor J.D Nkpe lamented the level of neglect by the federal agencies and corporate organisations in the area. He however stated that him and the people of Alesa will continue to work and support the security agencies.

Other leaders who spoke in Alesa were the Paramount Ruler, HRH, Emperor J.D Nkpe, Hon. Johnson Nwogu, Hon. Franklin Abbey amongst others. In Agbonchia were the Councillor, Hon. Johnson Igwe Chujor who thanked the Chairman and Area Commander for the meeting assuring of his committedness to ensure the prevailance of peace, Emere Joseph Ngeto, Emere Oluka Koida, Hon. Jacob Adeya, as well as EmereOwa Mma Obari.

Prayers were made for the communities.

The Town Hall meetings will be held in the ten clans of Eleme LGA.