Okowa Inaugurates Multiple Projects For Police Special Protection Unit For VIPs

Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has charged men and officers of Nigerian Police Force to redouble their efforts in the fight against crime, assuring that his administration will continue to support the police to raid the state of criminality.

The governor spoke while inaugurating a storey building office complex, two-storey building barracks accommodation, two duplexes as accommodation for the Commander and his second-in-command, two Hilux Patrol vans and five kilometres road to and surrounding the police base in Asaba, the state capital.

The projects were donated by the Delta State government for the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Base 25, Asaba, which commenced operations April 2O19 following establishment in February 13, 2O19.

Okowa, who was represented by his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro said, “Today, we are commissioning infrastructural projects that reflect our desire and commitment to continue to partner with the Nigerian Police Force in fighting crime and securing our state.
“I am persuaded that these facilities will complement what the Force already has on ground as well as enhance their operational efficiency”, he added.

Governor Okowa said since 2015, his administration has spared neither efforts nor resources to assist law enforcement agencies in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

“We believe that our security agencies and personnel need to be properly cared for, motivated and provided with decent working environment. In October 2O16, we donated 1O Hilux patrol vans to the Command Headquarters in the state to ensure ease of movement and swift response to distress calls. Similarly, the Delta State Security Trust Fund in 2O18 donated Sienna vehicles to the Force.

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Admonishing the Police High Command, Okowa said: “Ensure that Officers on the field are given the right tools to work; they must be properly equipped to defeat crime. The criminal elements in our midst have gone very sophisticated. 

“The Nigeria Police Force must be a step ahead of them by making sure that the men and officials of the Force are sufficiently geared to flush out these criminals wherever they are found”.

Hoping that the rank and file of the Police will reciprocate the kind gesture with commitment to work, Okowa said his administration prefers a proactive approach “in constantly exploring and engaging new avenues to boost our security operations as a preventive measure”.

Okowa expressed concerns the country was currently challenged with myriad security problems, stating: “We are grateful to God that Delta State has not experienced the ugly spectre of widespread banditry and kidnapping that is currently the lot of other states”.

He added: “However, we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Our people are counting on you to rise up to the challenge with courage and determination…. That way, our people can sleep with two eyes closed and they can go about their lawful businesses without let or hindrance”, Okowa maintained.

Earlier, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu who was represented by AIG Peter Ogunyanwo, noted that the Special Protection Unit was established in 2009 to fortify security around Very Important Personalities (VIPs) and Diplomas.

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He added that the unit additionally provides support for the anti-crime moves of the Nigeria Police.

He charged officers and men of the new SPU Base 25 in Asaba to always sustain the ethics and code of conducts of the Nigeria Police in discharging their duties by avoiding illegal duties, shun corrupt practices and any act that is capable of jeopardizing the Standard Operating Procedures and denting the image of the force.

Meanwhile, a group going by the name “Okowa dey work, we dey see am” led by one Ese Ojas aka S.S. Ominimini displayed banners with inscriptions appreciating Governor Okowa for provision of Transformer to light up the area as well as kilometres of roads constructed around the Base 25 of the Special Protection Unit of the Police Force, Asaba. 

Also, Association of Landlords Board of Trustees Chairman, Pastor Jossy Honnah had earlier appreciated the state government gesture but appealed for drainage by the roads to check menace of flood.