The Police Community Relations Committee(PCRC) has observed their first interdenominational service thanksgiving in Abia State, reeling out some challenges encountered in the discharge of their duties.
At the interdenominational service held at the Police Chaplaincy Area Command,Umuahia, the group disclosed that they had several reasons to be thankful to God, especially for the successful outcome of their election and the state wide tour of the police formations.
The PCRC which is a community policing based committee, was established by the leadership of the Nigeria Police
Force, in 1984, to foster healthy relationship and partnership between the Police and communities, with a view to enhancing efficient and effective policing of Nigerian communities.
Giving his speech at the Reception ceremony/Unveiling of the proposed PCRC Administrative block and Award presentation,held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Umuahia, the State chairman of PCRC,Abia State Command, Chief Iheanyi Igboanulam, expressed gratitude to God for overseeing the affairs of the PCRC in the state.
According to him, PCRC, as the number one partner and a formal security
committee, instituted by the police,is vested with the responsibility of information gathering,neighbourhood watch, articulating programmes
and activities that would positively enhance the operations of the Police in the communities.
He said the partnership between the general public and the Police, has made the operations of the Police run smoothly and this has resulted in
low crime rates, effective police investigations and overall, safer communities.
Igboanulam,hinted about the progresses so far recorded in PCRC, stating that it has been forty years of excellent intelligence gathering, crime fighting, infrastructural provision,as well as,right image making and other relevant assistance to the Police.
However, he disclosed that PCRC does not have budgetary allocation from the Federal, State and Local Governments, hence, the current challenges confronting it.
He further made an appeal to the government of Abia State and good spirited individuals to assist the group in their prioritized commitment towards community policing and engagements, for effective information dissemination and public awareness campaigns.Also, in actualizing their administrative office block, for the effective and efficient
administration of the over 40 divisions/Area commands in Abia State.
The Chairman equally requested for the donation of three operational vehicles for rapid responses to emergency situations and operations.
Meanwhile, the PCRC state chairman, officially welcomed the new Abia Commissioner of Police, CP lsa Danladi Nda, disclosing that his antecedents and track record of performance would break barriers and exceed expectations in Abia,while pledging the support of PCRC.
He also, commended the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for the security strides and measures taken towards ensuring that Abia remains relatively peaceful, which he said necessitated the honour done him and other distinguished Patrons and honorary members.”We honour and
appreciate you for your sacrifices and selfless service to humanity”,he said.
In an interview, the PCRC chairman for Akwete Area Command, Rev Augustine Ehiemere, shared his humility and gratitude upon receiving the PCRC recognition for his tireless contributions. He highlighted his past achievements, including building the first administrative block for the Police in Obehie. Rev Ehiemere disclosed that he aims at building a hall for Akwete Area Command,which will go a long way in bridging the gap between the police and the community.
Meanwhile, Prince Adolphus Duru, who was honored as PCRC patron, reflected on his eight-year tenure as chairman, expressing pride in his accomplishments and the capable leaders he mentored and pledged his unflinching support to PCRC.
Ambassador Emma Nwosu, former state chairman, praised the new PCRC leadership under Chief Iheanyi Igboanulam, wishing him success and prayed he surpasses previous achievements. He said he would support the current leadership to any level to achieve success.
For Chief Chukwuka Boniface Onyekachi,who was honored as a patron of the association, said the award would spur him to do much more for the association and appreciated them for the honor done him.
Earlier, Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, who was decorated as the Grand Patron of the Abia State Police Community Relations Committee, described the recognition as not only a personal honour but also a strong symbol of the collective partnership that exists between the government, law enforcement agencies, and Abia communities in ensuring peace and security in the State.
He pointed out that the PCRC has played a critical role over the years in bridging the gap between the police and the people, fostering trust, and ensuring that community policing becomes more effective and people- centered.
According to him, it is this proactive approach to security that makes Abia communities safer and encourages citizens to be more involved in the security of their neighborhoods.
“Security is the bedrock of any thriving society. Without peace and stability, no meaningful development can take place.
“I commend the Nigeria police force, especially, the Abia State command for it’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, even the face of various challenges.
“PCRC’s collaboration with the police is a testament to the fact that security is a shared responsibility, one in which every citizen has a role to play”, Emetu said.
The Abia Deputy Governor who assured that the government of Abia State,under the watch of Dr Alex Otti, would remain committed to supporting all efforts aimed at enhancing security across the State, said that the government recognizes the importance of fostering a peaceful environment which allows businesses to thrive, students to learn and the people to live their lives without fear.
He assured further that the government of Abia State would continue to work closely with the police, PCRC, and other security agencies to ensure that the tools needed to perform their duties effectively are available.
