Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has commended citizens of the state for their sustained collaboration and support for the state government’s efforts at ensuring improved security.
Obaseki noted that his administration has institutionalised intelligence-driven community policing architecture. He said the support of residents has contributed to the success recorded in ridding the state of crime and criminals.
The governor spoke at the maiden edition of the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Annual Lecture Series/Scholarship Award, with the theme, “Citizens inclusion in security management: Edo State Model.”
He also received items donated by the Solomon Arase Foundation, to improve security in the seven local government areas of Edo South senatorial district. The foundation was set up by a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, who celebrated his 66th birthday.
Commending Arase and other residents for their support in tackling insecurity in the state, the governor expressed satisfaction that “citizens of Edo State on their own spend time to rethink the security situation of the State, task themselves and raise resources to complement the government’s efforts at tackling the security challenges in the state.”
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Obaseki further charged leaders across the country on selflessness, urging them on the need to give back to society, contributing effectively to the development of their communities. He said leaders must invest in giving back to the society that made them, ensuring the empowerment of the less-privileged in society.
Commending the philanthropic gesture of former Inspector General of Police, Arase, the governor said, “We thank you for your support and leadership. You are not one of the wealthiest of public officers but rich in terms of spirit. It’s not how much you have received but how much you have given back to society.
“Our society requires so much from us. What is important for us now as elites is what we can give back to society. You are one of the best, finest, and most intelligent police officers ever produced in this country. We are proud of your achievements as you are passionate and in love with the profession of policing.”
“The sole responsibility of the government is to provide security. Without security, we have no need for the government. This shows the importance of security in Nigeria. I am glad you are now in the vanguard of pushing for citizens’ policing in the country,” he added.
Earlier, Arase said, “The people must come together to fight insecurity, which is our common enemy. This should be the model we must use and leave behind for Edo people. We have to team up as there are a lot of ungoverned spaces in this country. We must galvanise our youths to deepen security in the state and ensure the safety of our people.
“The items donated include one sienna vehicle, 500 motorcycles, over 1,000 customised T-shirts, face caps, raincoats, torch lights, and ant whistles. These kits should be judiciously utilised to improve the security situation in the state. This foundation was set up in 2016 when I was retiring from the police force.
“Security is capital intensive and we all need to support the government to combat crime in our society as the government cannot do it alone unless through our collaborative efforts,” Arase added.
Reassuring improved security in the state, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro pledged, “We will fight crime and criminality to the highest level in Edo State. We will not be reactive but proactive in fighting crime. We will take the fight to them and ensure the state is uncomfortable for criminals.”
