ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has urged the state new Commissioner of Police, Echeng Eworo Echeng, to ensure utmost respect of the fundamental rights of residents while tackling crime.
Diri gave the charge when he received CP Echeng in his office in Government House, Yenagoa, on Thursday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as describing the coming of the new commissioner as a blessing to the state given his profile and track record of achievement.
Saying that Bayelsa had a policy of zero-tolerance for crime and criminality, he assured the new police boss of his administration’s readiness to partner with the force to rid the state of crime.
He tasked Echeng to among other things check the rate of kidnapping in Yenagoa and other parts of the state, stressing that the ugly trend could no longer be tolerated.
He urged people of the state to cooperate with the police to make it safe, saying security was a collective responsibility.
He said: “We prayed to have a worthy successor to the retired CP of Bayelsa State and from my findings we are happy to have you. You have the required character to serve. Your appointment is our prayer answered and we welcome you. Be assured that you will work in an environment of conviviality and friendliness.
“As a government, we have said it that criminality does not discriminate. Our common resolve is to ensure that Bayelsa State is free of criminality and the policy of this government is zero tolerance to crime and criminality.
“We want the citizens of this state and residents to sleep with their two eyes closed. Listening to you, clearly you are not a new comer. You have been here before and your record showed you are well experienced and have the training that the state would benefit from. I assure you that as a government we would relate and work with you at all times so that Bayelsa would be crime free.”
In his remarks, Echeng said that his visit to the governor was in recognition of his office as the Chief Security Officer of the state and to seek his support.
While saying his zero tolerance for corruption in line with the policy direction of the Inspector General of Police, he noted the police would work closely with the government to make the state safe.
During the visit, commander of the state’s special security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo, ACP Ibrahim Bakori, was decorated with his new rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police.