The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Olatunji Disu, has denied that the Nigeria Police Force was responsible for the delay in the establishment of the state police.

Disu, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, in charge of the South East, denied the allegation on Tuesday in Awka, during a “Stakeholders meeting on security in Anambra”.

He admitted that the creation of the state police would enhance the efforts of the national police in preventing and tackling crime.

“The power to create the state police is a constitutional issue that resides with the national and state assemblies.

“When the National Assembly makes provision to amend the law establishing the NPF and goes on to amend it, then two-thirds of the State Assemblies must consent to it,” he said.

The I-G urged stakeholders made up of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, civil society organisations, the business class, and others to be patient, as the National Assembly was doing everything possible to establish the state police.

He called for more collaboration with stakeholders to improve national security from the grassroots.

Disu enjoined stakeholders to volunteer vital and timely information on activities of suspected criminals in their areas for prompt intervention.

According to him, there is the need for more collaboration with the police and other security agencies, as the security agencies alone cannot secure the country.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in the Anambra Command, Ikioye Orutugu, said that security was necessary for the development of any society.

“Security is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration, trust and continuous dialogue with stakeholders from all sectors.

“This collective collaboration has helped in reducing crime in Anambra,” he said.

Orutugu called for strong synergy on security matters with all stakeholders in order to prevent and tackle crime.

Some of the stakeholders commended the state government and the State Assembly for enacting a law to establish local vigilance groups, Udogachi and Agunechemba, to help the police prevent and tackle crime.

They urged the federal government to expedite action in the establishment of state police to improve national security from the grassroots.

The stakeholders also called for better equipment, training and improved welfare for the police and vigilance group to improve security across the country. (NAN)

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