Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo said the state government is in the process of developing a social assistance program, including an insurance scheme, for state police personnel.
A statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday by Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku, the governor’s chief press secretary, said Uzodinma announced the plan during a condolence visit to police commissioner Mr. Abutu Yaro following the death of some officers during attacks on armed men.
The governor said the welfare program was designed to act as an incentive for agents deployed in the state.
He hoped the initiative would motivate and encourage state security agencies to improve their performance.
“We intend to assure the Nigerian police men and women working in Imo to support what is already in place.
“This is to ensure that in the event of losses, the insurance companies will take over the responsibilities and obligations of the victims,” he said.
The governor described the police as the common man’s last hope.
According to him, if the police are challenged, Nigeria‘s security and protection are challenged and compromised.
He pledged that the state government would partner up and support the police with the tools they need to function optimally.
Uzodimma reminded them of their essential role in society and urged them to show courage in carrying out their duties, especially when faced with armed men.
He instructed them to be resilient and prepare to defend themselves against assault.
The governor congratulated the police commissioner and his team for their bravery.
He assured them that they were not alone in the effort to restore peace and security in Imo.
He appealed to the state’s divisional police officers to ensure that they retrieve all criminals from rural communities in all areas of local government.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Inspector General of Police, Mr. Usman Alkali, for supporting the state at the height of the recent security challenge.
He further urged politicians, who allegedly fueled insecurity in the state, to “repent and refrain or be ready to face the wrath of God.”
Earlier, Yaro said the governor’s visit demonstrated the value he placed on police operations in the state.
He said the visit would boost command morale and encourage officers to bounce back.
He also reassured the people of the state that the police had resumed their normal duties and urged them to go about their rightful business without fear.
Yaro thanked the governor for his support in the command and urged the people of Imo to cooperate with the police personnel in carrying out their duties. (NAN)
