.. Edo people support and appreciate the Police ... We must provide security agencies with intelligence to act ... Special Constables trained

Our party takes law and order very seriously. We are committed to the provision of adequate security and are proud with the way Governor Obaseki's PDP government is tackling the security challenges Edo is facing today.

At this point we must reiterate that the issue of restructuring in the country is not only restricted to resource control. The security  command structure imperfections are exposed especially at times like this. The "CSO" of a state, the Governor, has no power to command, instruct or deploy the state police command no matter the opinion he holds. He is handicapped because of the provision of the constitution that at best confers on him the ceremonial title of Chief Security Officer.

However, Governor Godwin Obaseki is coordinating a combined effort of security operatives to arrest the ugly security situation in Edo State. Right from the moment security in the state was compromised by hoodlums during the #ENDSARS protests, the governor knew there could be an upsurge in criminal activities, hence he started rebuilding the security apparatus in Edo State.

Fully aware of the danger posed by the prisoners, who escaped from the Benin and Oko Correctional Centres, the Governor has been at the forefront of the charge to re-arrest the escapees. He has continued to give the prison authorities, police and other security operatives the needed support to re-arrest the prisoners and help return the police to full functionality.

As the chief security officer in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki met with police chiefs and discussed how to rebuild police stations that were set ablaze and destroyed during the #ENDSARS protest in order to increase and re-establish police presence in the communities. In the absence of police stations in some communities, Governor Obaseki has met with other security agencies that have deployed their men into the communities.

Nothing more demonstrates the effort and willingness of Governor Godwin Obaseki to tackle insecurity in Edo State and the recurring cult clashes in parts of Benin City, than the move from conventional policing to community policing that the Governor is championing. Only last week, 877 Special Police Constables under the Community Police Project were sent forth at a passing out Parade at the Police Training School, Ogida, Benin City.

The governor, who personally attended the passing out Parade, said the 877 Special Constables were part of the first batch of the 2000 constables to be trained for community policing in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in Edo State. He said the process which has led to the recruitment, training and subsequent graduation of the special constables was one of the ideas he discussed with the present Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, when he served as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police Zone 5 in Benin City, some years ago. Special health and life insurance packages are being finalized for the Special Constables.

It does not stop here. A renewed focus on agriculture that will make farming profitable and more attractive to youths is ongoing in Edo State. This policy, when fully implemented, will make farmlands readily available, make transportation of farm products easy and provide jobs for many unemployed youths.

There also exist numerous training centers for skill acquisitions to train young men and women to acquire skills as the future of our state and nation rests with our youths. Empowering the youths with skills and education prepares them for a productive and prosperous tomorrow.

We appeal to the police to continue to protect lives and property. We assure them that a vast majority of Edo people appreciate their role and support them in these difficult times.

We feel the pains and hear the cries of our people. What is going on from the cult wars, robberies and threats to lives and properties is unacceptable to our party and government. Government is determined to bring a lasting solution to these menaces.

It will pass!

We appeal that Edo people should cooperate with the security agencies, give them intelligence, report suspicious movement and people. The trouble makers are within our midst, we must not shield them.

Signed

Chris Osa Nehikhare

SPS PDP EDO STATE