I Will Implement Key Reforms Minister Assures Abia People

Minister of State Police Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s government will implement key strategic reforms within the Policing ecosystem in the years ahead.

The Minister remarked yesterday in Abia during the security Town Hall meeting held with critical stakeholders in the state to ensure a safer country for the Nigerian people.

According to her, the town hall meeting reflects a significant shift in her approach to policing.

She said: “As you may be aware, Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 puts the security and welfare of our people as the government’s priority. As a responsible government, therefore, Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has placed security at the centre of the administration’s eight (8) priorities, and we have commenced the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, which will ensure that our police force is strategically positioned to fulfil its mandate.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim reiterated that at the heart of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda is the implementation of a community policing strategy that is designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation of members of the various communities and stakeholder blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership.

She added that Abia is renowned for its commerce and industry, making it a focal point for trade across the Southeast and beyond. The state‘s economic vibrancy presents specific security challenges, particularly in business-related crimes.

„Additionally, the state’s strategic location along crucial transit routes adds another layer of complexity, as it necessitates robust measures to address issues such as road safety, smuggling, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Abia State has consistently shown resilience, and we are here to help strengthen it further.

„We have a clear appreciation that security begins at home. It is local, and we must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit of a safer nation. This town hall is, therefore, part of an extensive series of engagements across the country to catalyse grassroots understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions.“

On his part, the Abia State Government expressed its determination to collaborate with the Federal government‘s renewed hope police Agenda to strengthen the existing roadmaps to enhance the security architecture of the state and the country.

Dr Alex Otti was praised for the minister, describing her as a dedicated minister driving critical reforms in the country‘s security network.

He also expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force, under the able leadership of the Inspector General of Police, for its steadfast professionalism and commended the collaborative efforts of all security agencies, the traditional council, local governments, the Police Community Relations Committee, members of the State Security Council, and other vital stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to the state’s security.

In her remarks, the minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha, added credence to the excellent work of her colleague, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, while thanking the governor for providing credible leadership in the state.

Other stakeholders took turns analysing the critical nature of security and the role of community policing in Nigeria.

Religious leaders, traditional leaders, the Police community relations committee (PCRC), and the Executive Secretary of the Police Trust funds, among others, presented goodwill messages.

The minister also visited the police commands and police hospitals for an on-site assessment of situations in the state.