Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has approved the allocation of land to the Nigeria Police Command Zone 16 for the construction of administrative and residential structures.
Gov. Diri gave the approval on Tuesday when the new Assistant Inspector General of Police, Johnson Adenola, the state Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and other officers of the command paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor directed the Ministry of Lands and Survey and the secretary to the state government to liaise with the command for the allocation of the land.
He said the location of the headquarters of the zonal command, which covers Bayelsa and Rivers states in Yenagoa, was a pride to the state as it has greatly enhanced security.
His words: “The zonal command covers Bayelsa and Rivers States with headquarters in Yenagoa. It is a privilege to host it in Yenagoa.
“It has been five years since you have been operating from your temporary office, which was provided by the state government. Your request for land is hereby granted.
“I direct the commissioner for lands and survey and the secretary to the state government to liaise with the zone to allocate a befitting land to the command in Yenagoa.”
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The state’s helmsman thanked the new assistant inspector general of police for acknowledging the concerns he raised with his predecessor, particularly on the issue of multiple roadblocks on the highways, and expressed optimism that the command will address the challenges.
He urged security agencies to adopt a non-kinetic approach through intelligence gathering to tackle security issues, as security was everybody’s responsibility.
Gov. Diri stated that his administration had deployed the use of technology through the installation of closed-circuit television cameras in major parts of the city, as well as drones to curb crime in the state.
“For me, it is better to avert crime than to go about carrying guns to look for criminals. Let us use more intelligence and technology.”
Earlier, Mr. Johnson Adenola said he assumed office last month and expressed appreciation to the state government for its support of the command.
He assured the governor of his loyalty and commitment to enhancing security in the state.
“I came to pledge my loyalty and support to the efforts of the state government in ensuring peace and tranquility in the state.
“We are making an effort to have better policing and ensure a people-friendly and rule of law-compliant force,” Adenola said.
