Makinde Hosts New AIG Zone XI, Promises To Work With Police To Secure Oyo

….As AIG Ajani Seek Support Of Citizens To Enable A Better Working Environment

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has said that his administration will continue to work with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to improve security in the state.

The governor made this known while hosting the new Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone XI, Osogbo, AIG Olasupo Ajani, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, assured of continuous support for the Police through the provision of logistics and other necessary support systems.

“Oyo State has been a little bit peaceful but we have serious challenges, security-wise, in the entire country.
“Also, at this time, we are faced with economic issues. So, if you have to do your work in the face of those challenges, it is almost like being hit twice because the work itself is difficult. When you have an atmosphere of economic prosperity, the people are not agitated but, now, any small thing, people are tensed up.

“Anytime I’m on the road, I witness road rage, aggression and all of that. These are not really normal because, for us, we used to be our brothers’ keepers. But a lot of people are tensed up and before you know what is going on, aggression is transferred. And when you now have to carry out your policing work within the context of these events, it becomes extremely difficult. So, we will continue to support you, show understanding and work with you through this challenging period.”

AIG Olasupo Ajani, in his earlier remark said the purpose of his visit was to formally inform the governor of his arrival as a new AIG Zone XI, and to also appreciate the governor and the citizens of the state for accommodating and supporting the Nigeria Police.

I am here his morning to formally inform you of my arrival and to thank you immensely for your help and support for the Police in Oyo State, most especially to my sister, the CP. We have spoken about everything you have been doing for the Police.

“I want to also solicit for your collaboration in all our areas of need. On a more serious note, Police would not succeed without the will of the people. So, in this light, we want you to help us sensitize the people to support the Police. There must be cooperation between them.”

The newly deployed Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone XI and his entourage proceeded to the Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele to engage in an interactive session with Traditional rulers in the state.

Ajani appealed to the Traditional rulers dialogue with their followers to work together with the police so as to rebuild the relationship which had been established before the EndSARS protest.

According to him, the protest created a huge gap between both parties which has also caused a setback for them while discharging their duties.

He also maintained that the police cannot live without the people and also vice versa while he urged the Traditional Rulers to go back home to speak to their people that police is still their friend.

“You stakeholders that are here are the representatives of the people, please sensitise your people and let us go back to the way we were before the EndSARS protests.

“EndSARS has created a sort of vacuum and we want to reclaim the space again and be closer to the people, any police that want to be successful must have the support of the people.

“We must cooperate and work together for peace to reign in this country,” he said.

In their remarks, Eze Nudigbo, Dr Alex Anozie, Seriki Shasha, Alhaji Haruna Malyasin and representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi, pledged their commitment to sensitize their followers
on the need to be law abiding.

Earlier in her speech, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo state, Ngozi Onadeko, said the state was relatively peaceful while officers and men are working tirelessly to surpass the present level of security in the state.

Onadeko, however, listed some challenges faced by the command which includes inadequate manpower, inadequate arms and ammunitions among others.