Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IG), Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, not to allow politics to negatively affect the fight against insecurity.
The governor advised him to allow state Commissioners of Police to work with state governors, as that is the only way that security could be promoted.
Speaking during a Public Lecture on Security organised by the Inspector General of Police in Uyo yesterday, Wike said he has nothing personal against the police, but pointed out that he would continue to alert the Police Chief on Security challenges in Rivers State.
The governor said: “You (IG) must allow the Commissioners of Police to work closely with their respective governors to improve the security architecture.
“Politicisation of security is a major crime. Commissioners of Police work with governors on the basis of the governor’s relationship with the powers that be. This should not be.
Let’s not bring politics into fighting crime. A kidnapper does not care about the political party of his victim. Nobody is immune from insecurity, irrespective of status.â€
The governor said all stakeholders must collaborate to improve security across the country.
He said: “Let me further reiterate the point that as the nation’s number one police officer, the buck on civil security stops at the table of the IG and he is as accountable to the public as any other public office holder.â€
Wike said: “I wish to assure you that Rivers State under my watch will continue to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Police and other security agencies as partners to combat insecurity not only in Rivers State but also across the nation.â€
The governor urged the IG to look into complaints by state governors, as they are important to improve security.
He said peace, security and national stability are prerequisites for development in any social polity, pointing out that no governor will support insecurity in his state.
Wike noted that denying the people their right to electoral choice leads to insecurity. He urged the electoral umpire to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections.
He said unless the right thing is done by the authorities, hundreds of security summits would not enhance security in the country.
Earlier, the IG, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, said the security summit was aimed at improving security in the country.
He said the public lecture series would help the police understand the security challenges of the different geo-political zones.
The public lecture with the theme: ‘Insecurity: Socio-economic impacts and conflict resolution perspectives,’ witnessed goodwill messages from the governors of the South-south region and the Minister of Niger Delta.
Wike, in recent weeks, have raised the alarm over the alleged involvement of the Rivers Special Anti-Robbery Squad in kidnapping and armed robbery.
