By Ikemefuna Asika, Awka
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in recognition of the indispensable role traditional rulers can play in the nation’s quest for a thorough Security has appealed to them to use their influential and privileged positions to forge a symbiotic relationship between security agencies and their subjects.
The Assistant Commandant General (ACG) in charge of Zone K, Headquarters Awka, Solomon Iyamu, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the palace of His Majesty, Alex Uzo Onyido, the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State.
Iyamu noted that just as security is the business of everybody so it is for traditional rulers who are custodians of indigenous customs and culture of the people. He appealed to them for purposeful leadership in security management of their respective communities by mobilizing their subjects towards providing useful information to the Corps to enhance its crime prevention in the country.
A statement by Edwin Okadigbo, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, indicated that the ACG on behalf of the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, appreciated the Monarch for initiating the idea of building a tactical outpost, though still under construction, for Civil Defence at Ogidi. According to him, when completed and handed over to the Corps, it will be used for the purpose it was meant for in bringing relative peace to the community and it’s environs.
Iyamu assured Igwe Onyido of NSCDC readiness and positive disposition towards collaborating with relevant stakeholders like the traditional rulers to effectively degrade the activities of vandals, economic saboteurs and
criminal elements in the country.
” I am here to familiarize myself with your Majesty, solicit for your Majesty’s blessings and cooperation in our efforts to fight insecurity in the State.
“We may not achieve our desired results if we fail to work closely with the traditional rulers considering their positions in the society as father’s in their respective domains.
“That is why I have come to seek for your support and explore the influence and prestige of your office for successful outcomes” he said .
The ACG noted that NSCDC being the lead agency in safeguarding critical national assets and Infrastructure, appreciates every iota of assistance, collaboration and cooperation to deliver on its mandate areas, especially in the protection of oil pipelines against vandalism as well as protection of lives and property.
In his response, Igwe Alex Uzo Onyido assured the ACG of his maximum support and that of his community in the fight against crimes through provision of credible information , saying that the country could only be safe when both security agents and citizens collaborate to fight crime.
The Monarch, said he heeded a call to build a befitting facility for the NSCDC in Ogidi to ensure security of his community and its environs noting that the issue of security cannot be left in the hands of security agencies alone, but requires contribution of all stakeholders.
While commending the NSCDC for performing creditably well in its contributions to peace and security in Nigeria, his Majesty promised to support the NSCDC with operational vehicle to enable them achieve the mandate of safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.
The ACG was accompanied by Anambra State Commandant, Edwin Osuala, Comdt. Edwin Ugwuja 2ic to ACG, Comdt. Pius Nwuchula, Assistant Commandant Onyebuchi Onwuteaka of Zone k, among others.
