By Matthew Ajai-kume
Governor Samuel Ortom has pledged unflinching support to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to curb crimes and criminality in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
The Benue State Governor made the pledge recently when the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Audu Madaki, paid him a familiarization visit at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Lodge, Benue People’s House, Makurdi.
Governor Ortom said, after he listened to the profile of the new commissioner of police, he was confident that, Madaki was the right man to tackle the situation of Benue State due to his vast experience and capacity. “I thank the Police Service Commission and other authorities for finding you worthy to head the Police in Benue State,” he stated. “We shall partner to deliver a workable result towards the fight against crime as well as the protection of lives and property of the people of the state”
According to the governor, he is democratically elected and through the oath he took, he believes in the rule of law for equity, fairness and justice to all.
He said, “ in Nigeria at the moment, the main problem we are facing is the neglect in respecting the Rule of Law, we rather take to some sentiments that can divide us. I appeal to Nigerians to come together, let us forgive and reconcile our differences for the unity, progress and development of our country”, Governor Ortom appealed.
He said when he came in as the state governor in 2015, he saw the lingering clashes between herdsmen and farmers which informed his decision to enact the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law which he believes is the best global practice of animal husbandry.
He called on Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion and culture who are doing genuine businesses to come to Benue while he will not accept any business man or woman who comes into the state with AK – 47 to carryout any unlawful business.
The governor charged the youths to shun jungle justice, and urged them to report grievances to the security operatives who are saddled with the responsibility of curbing such menace.
Earlier in his remarks, the new CP, Benue State Command, Audu Madaki said, he visited the governor, in order to familiarize with him as well as inform him of his posting to the state.
Madaki solicited the partnership of the Force and the Benue State government in the area of fighting crime. He stated that, he has already strategised with his lieutenants by engaging and providing high patrol in some areas, especially Makurdi, Katsina Ala, Gboko and Ugbokolo areas which are prone to high level of crime.
“We are going to also engage the youths and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in our readiness to curb crime, protect lives and property of the state,” he stated.
He further appealed to everyone in the state to provide information that can aid the force to win the war against crime.
