JUST IN; IG of Police orders Police Commands to involve PCRC in their operations

The Inspector-General of Police(I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered States, Area and Divisional Cmmands to involve the members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in their routine operations.

The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Egbetokun disclosed this at the PCRC’s maiden executive national training, with the theme :`Strengthening The PCRC System For Optimum Service Delivery’’, on Thursday in Abuja.

Represented by the AIG in charge of Zone 7, Mr Ben Igwe, the I-G said the action was necessary in view of the significant role of PCRC in community policing.

He said that the Nigerian police was unwaveringly committed to strengthening the capacity of PCRC operations especially on combating criminal activities in the country.

“All Commissioners of Police, Divisional officers and Area commands have been duly informed to provide security and support to the PCRC in their respective areas of responsibilities,’’ he said.

Egbetokun said that as part of the government’s policing agenda, his office and the Police Service Commission have been making efforts to change the pattern of policing in Nigeria, silently, diligently, and authoritatively.

“The changes will give us the leverage to do more policing for Nigeria and Nigerians as a whole,’’ the I-G said.

He also enjoined the PCRC members to adopt a new approach to community policing, adding that policing was eerybody’s business that requires the involvement of all members of the society including the security agents.

“ As an individual citizen or resident of Nigeria, you have power of arrest , the constitution has granted you authority to do that.

“It is not in everything you call the police, the law gives two or three of you powers to arrest, and before or within 24 hours take you to the nearest police,’’ he said.

The Police boss, therefore, congratulated the National Chairman and other PCRC members for the association’s achievements within the last 4O years of its existence.

Also speaking , the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam, said community policing remained central to the nation’s strategic plan for fostering safe and resilient communities.

Represented by Mrs Bola Aderele, a Director in the ministry,, he said, `Through PCRC , we aim to deepen collaboration between the police and the public, build mutual rust and share a sense of responsibility.”

According to him, technology has become a game changer in modern policing which necessitates the adoption of new approaches to crime control mechanisms.

“To enhance operational efficiency the Federal Government had invested in advanced technological tools such as surveillance systems and crime databases to improve intelligence sharing,’’ Gaidam said.

Earlier, the National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, said the conference was to encourage PCRC members towards rendering selfless service to the country especially in the area of security,

“ The training is also designed for stakeholders to use the PCRC platform to suggest ways the community can support the police and achieve a better service delivery to the community,’’ he said.

Olaniyan thanked the I-G, Ministry of Police Affairs and other stakeholders for sustainably promoting the activities of PCRC nationwide. (NAN)

JUST IN; Monarch slumps, dies at public occasion

A district head in the Zazzau emirate council of Kaduna State slumped at an occasion, on Thursday, and later died at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofar gayan Zaria.

The Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, slumped attending an occasion along with the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed

Confirming the incident in a statement, Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, the Media and Publicity officer of the Zazzau. said “It is with great sadness that the Zazzau Emirate Council announces the passing of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya Pate, a Council Member of the Emirate.

“Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya, who also served as Councillor in charge of Health Related Matters, passed away while attending a program alongside His Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, at Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofan Gayan, Zaria this morning.” The statement added.

The remains of the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate has since been buried at Rimin Dodo later in the evening, Thursday.

In his condolence message, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli described the death as “the will of Allah” stating that “death is inevitable and can come whenever Allah destined.”

The Emir who consoled the family of the deceased described the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau as hardworking, dedicated and very religious whose vacuum will not easily be replaced.

He prayed for the soul to have an eternal life rest.

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BREAKING; Federal Govt speaks on legality of IGP Egbetokun’s continued stay in office

The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, says the continuous stay of Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), in office is lawful.

Fagbemi in a statement onThursday in Abuja, said

the appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from Oct. 31, 2023 will have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on Sept. 4, 2024.

“However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.

“This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun October 31, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case.

He noted that the advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public. (NAN)