The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Okon Effiong has promised to uphold the rights of residents of Rivers State.
CP Effiong made the assertion during his maiden press briefing at Police headquarters, Moscow road, Port Harcourt last week.
CP Effiong stated that he will ensure officers and personnel under his command do not violate human rights of residents of the state, but stressed that if human rights infractions occur he would give it the desired attention to prevent re-occurrence.
The new Rivers Police Boss noted that he holds journalists in high esteem and was not unware of the roles played by the media in ensuring peace, good governance and stability in the state and country at large.
He solicited for maximum support from journalists in the state.
“I owe it as responsibility to good people of Rivers State to ensure there is conducive environment. Environment where people can sleep with their eyes closed.
“It is a difficult task but is achievable. By your cooperation our target can be achieved. Rivers state is relatively peaceful compared to other states. We will maintain the relative peace in the state. We will go beyond the level of peace achieved.
“Under my watch we will not allow performance to drop. Our mandate is clear.
IGP asked us to deliver every point of policy agenda he has for Rivers State.
“To be able to succeed, we will run an open door policy
“Government has invested in security. Without security there cannot be sustainable development. We will ensure the investment of the people and Government of Rivers State is not wasted.
“We will enhance our performance individually and collectively as a Force.
“Security indeed is not a one man responsibility. It is a collective responsibility. Civilians can give information. Civilians can arrest criminals and hand over to the Police.
“We solicit for more robust synergy with sister agencies in area of information sharing, logistics. As security agencies we see themselves as partners in progress rather than showing superiority.
We will work with everybody to achieve the desired results.
“Information, Intelligence gathering is very key to crime fighting. We will appraise our response to distress calls. Where it is not effective will rejig the entire system.
The response time should not be more than five minutes.
“Every major road, there should be vehicle to cover every area. Visibility is very critical in policing.
“It shall be more of proactive policing than reactive policing. We will take the battle to the criminals. Those who do not want Rivers State to have peace will not have peace.
“Indulgence in crime is not profitable. Criminals should repent as Rivers State will not be conducive for them. We will put in place everything to guarantee peace”.
