ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN MFR, AT THE LAUNCHING OF COMMUNITY POLICING PROJECT IN OGUN STATE, HELD ON THURSDAY 4TH JUNE, 2020

• The constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police to maintain public order, prevent and detect crime is a highly demanding duty and the political and socio-economic activities in the society could only thrive if these roles are well pursued.

• Everyone in this gathering has justifications to be apprehensive of the security situation, at first, in his immediate community and generally in the country. We hear of armed robbery incidences, kidnapping and other criminal vices almost everyday.

• It is essential that we must remember that those who engage in crimes are not spirits; they are individuals just as you and I, and they live within our various communities. Similarly, personnel of the Nigeria Police are individuals who, ordinarily, also have a stake in the society and would have preferred a peaceful atmosphere in their own rights. Therefore, it is possible to say that the job of the Police is squarely community-oriented and could only be achieved with a synergy of the Police as an institution and the people.

• It is in this regard that I wish to commend the initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar Adamu, in his wisdom to promote community policing in the society.

• Community Policing which started gaining currency in Nigeria, a few years ago, is policing that puts people at the centre, as partners and stakeholders, in crime fighting and crime related challenges. Rather than “their police”, Community Policing becomes “our police”. It is cheaper, more effective and efficient, and certainly proactive in preventing crimes rather than chasing after criminals.

• It is gratifying to note that the Nigeria Police is increasingly committed to finding lasting solutions to the unpalatable threats to life, property and business.

• If we need to go on memory lane, our erstwhile colonial master saw itself as a master over the people and entrenched a brutal, oppressive and domineering police force policy that distanced the institution from the people. The Police was used by the powers-that-be as veritable instruments of oppression, coercion, and intimidation of perceived opponents and enemies. It was not a people’s Police.

• A democratic dispensation such as ours, demands a people-friendly and people-oriented Police service, which is in vogue with what is attainable in most parts of the developed world.

• It is on record that Police authorities have made very positive efforts to improve the relationship between the Police and the people. The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) was constituted in almost all Police Divisional formations in the country.

• I am happy that we are witnessing today another remarkable determination of the Inspector-General of Police and his men to ensure that not only peace and orderliness prevail in the country, but in a humane and community-centred atmosphere.

• This becomes glaring with the authority’s adoption of the principle and core values of community policing. I am optimistic that the Police hierarchy will continue to empower and motivate its personnel to work for the common good of the society and thus endear itself to the hearts of the people.  The time is now set for the actualization of the popular slogan, ‘Police Is Your Friend’.

• Our Administration will continue to extend the much-needed cooperation and hand of fellowship to the Police and all other security agencies.
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✓ We have offered suggestions on how to ensure security, and the preservation of law and order.

✓ We have offered logistics and material supports, and where necessary, have contributed in promoting the image of the Police.

✓ Although, security agencies are on the Exclusive List of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we have continued to support all the security agencies in our State.

✓ In line with our Public Private Partnership approach and recognition that government alone cannot fund security,we launched and amended the law establishing the Ogun State Security Trust Fund, including the composition of the Fund to make it private sector led.This has reinforced the confidence of the private sector in the management of the fund and engendered support.

✓ We purchased and distributed 100 security vehicles and 200 motorcycles fitted with state-of-the-art gadgets.

✓ Today, our State is one of the safest States in Nigeria. This is affirmed by the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, on his visit on 6th September, 2019 to our State.

✓ We have also collaborated with other South West States to establish a community-based security outfit called “Amotekun”, that came into existence through a law passed by the State House of Assembly. I believe that the “Amotekun” Outfit will complement this Community Policing initiative.

• Let me inform the Inspector-General of Police and his able lieutenants that Ogun State is proud to be amongst the pilot States for the implementation of the laudable community policing project.

• We are grateful that our hand of fellowship is being reciprocated in this grand way. We are pleased with the result obtained so far from the programme.

• I am looking forward to a harmonious relationship and partnership between all the security agencies, on one hand, and the public, on the other.

• I urge the Police leadership to intensify efforts at a total reform of the Police Service, which will be a pride to all and sundry. By so doing you would have left indelible footprints in the sands of time.

• Ladies and gentlemen, I admire the respect for human rights that is a major component of the programme.  I welcome the openness, the accountability and the transparency that are hallmarks of community policing. We welcome the desire of the Police to partner with the Government and various communities in the State.

• There is indeed no alternative to a proactive, dynamic and intelligence-led Police Force.

• Together we shall make Ogun State and Nigeria a most hospitable and conducive place for the pursuit of legitimate businesses.

• I call on every one to embrace the initiative, become stakeholders in the course of peace and security and join the Police in ensuring a better service to our society.

• Before I end this address, let me use this opportunity to thank our security agencies for their commitment and efforts in ensuring that our people comply with the COVID-19 guidelines.

• It is now my great pleasure to formally launch the community policing project in Ogun State to the Glory of God and improved protection of lives and property in the State.

• I thank you all for listening and God bless.

“Igbega Ipinle Ogun, ajose gbogbo wa ni o!”

Prince DapoAbiodun, MFR
Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria
Thursday, 4th June, 2020