The Cross River State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix Idem, has pledged the Ministry's commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in discharging their duties across the Local Government Areas.
He gave the assurance on Monday when he received in audience a delegation of Police Officers from the Public Relations Department, State Police Headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar, in his office at the New Secretariat, Calabar.
Chief Idem lauded the officers for their gesture towards improved community engagement, public enlightenment, and efficient discharge of their constitutional responsibility in the interest of peace and security. He further promised to inform all the Council Executives about the Police plans for their respective councils and seek their cooperation.
Continuing, the Commissioner advised the officers to make sure they are up to their game with regards to protecting life and property, which is the cardinal task of the Government to his people.
Earlier, the head of the delegation, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eitokpah Sunday, who described the Ministry as one of the key stakeholders, stated that the visit was not only to formally introduce himself as the new spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command but also to strengthen existing partnerships with relevant institutions in promoting peace, security, and public trust. He expressed gratitude to the Honourable Commissioner for his warm reception.
According to him, the Inspector General of Police is committed to repositioning the Nigeria Police Force to meet global best practices through strategic reforms being implemented across the State. Hence, the need to interface with government institutions and other critical stakeholders to ensure effective participation and stronger Police-Community relations.
He solicited the Ministry's assistance to enable them to actualize their dreams of improved community engagement, public enlightenment, and efficient discharge of their constitutional responsibility, which they intend to carry out in the 18 Local Government Councils of the State.
In his vote of thanks, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eko Lawrence O. thanked the Ministry for honouring their presence and promised that they will continue to abide by the rules of the Force and deliver effectively on their duties.
The Police team included Insp. Ugubu Innocent, Cpl. Precious Kekong, Cpl. Otoba Jeremiah. Also present at the meeting were key officials of the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong; Director of Administration, Mr Essien Akiba; Director of Due Process, Mr Joseph Ubi; Head of Accounts Department, Mr Okpewuru Kanu; Director of Human Resources, Mr Dennis Agbam and Head of Audit Department, Mrs Minika Asuquo Okon.
Others were Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) Internal Auditor, Mrs Veronica Kingsley Bassey; Head of Inspectorate Department, Mr Anthony Ebong; and the Office Manager, Mrs Adah Uwen.
By Mary Okon
