Delta reassures commitment to securing lives of citizens

Delta State Government on Monday reiterated its commitment to the security of lives and property of citizens in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, gave this assurance at a news conference in Asaba.

Aniagwu, said the state government had a healthy working relationship with security agencies operating in the state and advised residents to cultivate such relationship with the agencies as it would engender mutual respect on both sides, especially while the law-enforcement agents would be carrying out lawful duties.

Speaking on allegation of extortion of tricycle operators and commercial motorists by the policemen, Aniagwu condemned the act, but encouraged the people to do the right thing by being law-abiding, as well as ensuring that documents of their vehicles were current at all times.

He explained that when you obey the law and have the necessary papers of your vehicles as a road user, you would be avoiding police harassment.

The commissioner charged media practitioners to enlighten the people on the need to obey security agencies carrying out legitimate duties, and pledged that observed cases of unwholesome acts by some police personnel would be handled with the authorities of the Force.

Aniagwu, who was flanked at the conference by Commissioner for Youth Development, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said “as a government in Delta, we have a responsibility to ensure that the police go about their duty with respect to fundamental human rights of citizens.

“I am sure that most of you are aware of what happened at the weekend in Ughelli. As a government we are very mindful of our powers and responsibilities, most importantly to deal with issues of security and welfare of our people and that we will not shy away from.

“We will continue to take steps to protect our people and to also ensure that the security agencies in the state operate according to known rules of engagement.’’

He refuted reports in the social media that someone was killed by the police in Ughelli last weekend.

In his words: “we want to place it on record that nobody was shot by the police or any of the security agencies in Ughelli as was earlier reported on social media.

“We thank God that the individual involved in the incident is alive and responding well to treatment.”