•New CP advocates end of armchair policing
Police in Rivers State have unfolded a new strategy to combat crime, sending a warning signal to officers to brace up for the fight against cults, kidnapping, and armed robbery, which have risen since the general election.
Acting Chief Judge, Daisy Okocha, has also sworn in 18 new notaries public to breathe credibility and sincerity into engagements among Nigerians in various spheres of endeavour.
New Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said the renewed focus on crime is anchored on the emphasis of Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, on intelligence driven policing, robust fight against criminal activities, ban on road blocks, and fostering justice.
Rededication to professionalism
He urged police officers to rededicate themselves to professionalism and service, and advised them to move on from the last election which put on trial the integrity and neutrality of the police.
”The 2015 elections have come and gone. However, the aftershocks still remain. The police under my watch must remain neutral, professional, fair but very firm,” Ezike counselled.
“Any policeman or woman who has political interest or is so committed to the ideal of any political party is advised to resign his or her commission to enable him/her register as a political party member.”
Operating within the law
He charged officers to act within the Constitution, the Police Act and Regulations, and other laws, as the aim is to ensure peace, security, and well being of citizens.
”Rivers State occupies a vital economic position in the affairs of the country, we cannot therefore close our eyes and pretend that all is well.
“As I perused the handover notes from my predecessor, it was easily noticeable that the trend and pattern of serious crime in the state have become worrisome to the citizens.
“Specifically, kidnapping and armed robbery fuelled and energised by cultism have been on the increase.”
Ezike said cult activities are driven by bravado caused by dangerous drugs, and his leadership would seek ”to reverse the trend and halt the drift.”
Importance of notary public
Okocha congratulated the new notaries public and reminded them of the importance of their responsibilities.
She recounted that the ancient empire first provided the forerunner of what is now known as the notary public.
”At that time, when most people could not write, the ‘notarious’ was a scribe who took note of oral agreements among parties and delivered them in writing,” she recalled.
She explained that the importance of the notary has soared with the growth in commercial and legal activities and has become indispensable
By law, every notary is deemed to be an officer of the Supreme Court.
”A notary public is universally considered a public officer whose primary duty is to prevent fraud by witnessing the signing of documents and verifying that such documents are also authentic.
“In consequence, a notary public also administers oaths and affidavits,” Okocha said and urged them to be faithful to this responsibility.