The Cross River State Police Command has pledged to deepen its partnership with the Ministry of Information and Orientation to boost security and public awareness in the State.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Orudue, gave the assurance when he received the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, on a courtesy visit in Calabar.
He described information and security as inseparable, noting that security agencies need credible information to operate and effective communication to show the public what they are doing.
"It is a happy day to have willing partners. Information and security need each other. The police need information to operate, and information to communicate what they are doing so that people will know they are not sleeping," he said.
CP Orudue thanked Pastor Cobham for accepting to serve as a Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), describing the visit as timely. He said the PCRC remains a vital bridge between the police and the community, made up of patriotic citizens who make sacrifices to support policing.
Speaking on the dignity of the profession, he quoted scripture: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." He urged officers to serve with integrity and the fear of God.
He cited the Governor of Kwara State and Pastor Cobham, both sons of policemen, as examples of the blessings that follow upright service.
Earlier, Pastor Cobham said that while the Police need timely information to function, the Ministry also needs security cover to discharge its duties.
"The police happen to be my traditional constituency. I grew up as a barracks boy. My father served in this Command. At different times, he was CSP Operations and AC Administration and Finance. He is now late; he retired as a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
"Sir, I come today as Commissioner for Information and Orientation to appreciate the Nigeria Police Force, if for nothing else, for providing the means that paid my school fees and made me the man I am today. But more importantly, I appreciate you for the service you render, the tireless, sleepless nights you give up so that communities can live in peace.
"It is a thankless job, but those who understand know that without the bulwark, there would be no society.
"I come to build synergy, so that whatever relationship exists between the Cross River State Government and the Nigeria Police Force can be made better. I came so we can build a bond of conviviality, watch each other's back, and contribute to the corporate image of Cross River State.
"At a time when many states have a constipated security architecture, Cross River is enjoying uncommon peace. That would not have been possible without your uncommon commitment to duty as Commissioner of Police.
"We are here to familiarise ourselves, and I want you to know that my office is open. We are ready to partner very closely, in whatever way you deem necessary, to advance our causes. We are ready to avail you of all the information architecture and infrastructure we have, to help you reach the public and pass your message.
"We will also not fail to lend our voice so that the public appreciates what the police are doing.
"Just a few days ago, though I was in Abuja, I was invested as a PCRC Patron. It is my little way of giving back to society and helping to project the image of the Police Force, the same institution that paid our school fees, trained us, and made us whatever we are today. "It is this uniform that produced us. "So once again, sir, I want to appreciate the police, appreciate the Command, and thank your distinguished officers for the gallant job they are doing.
"Whatever contributions we can make to make it better, including inputs on how you can also improve, we will not fail to reach out," the Information and Orientation Commissioner added.
By Nakanda Iyadim
