By Prisca Nguzo
Critical stakeholders in Imo State including the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, have applauded the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the state police command, otherwise known as Tiger Base for enhanced service delivery and proactive policing in the state.
Barr. Chris Ihentuge, the Owerri branch NBA chairman, Comr. Ifeanyi Nwanguma, Imo NUJ Council Chairman, Chief Vitalis Onugha, security expert, among others gave the commendation during the official commissioning of newly constructed facilities at the unit, weekend.
They described the construction of the new facilities as timely and one which would help to address alleged congestion, violation of suspects' human rights, as well as enhance their operations and service delivery for the overall good of the citizens and state.
According to Ihentuge, "I am more excited to see that a Legal office and Human Rights desk are established here in Tiger Base. At least, it will go along way in ensuring that the human rights of suspects are protected.
"Honestly, I am much impressed with the facilities I am seeing here today. I am much impressed with the environment. It is very good for human habitation. Because even criminals caught, before they are trialled and convicted, they deserve dignity and conducive environment to stay in."
"I must commend the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma and the Tiger Base Commander, ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa for their commitment to reposition this place. There is no doubt that with the level of modern facilities and technology here, effective policing and justice delivery can be guaranteed." Nwanguma added.
Earlier, Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyahie and CP Danjuma described the Tiger Base as the striking force of the Imo Police Command, stressing that without their existence, operations and achievements, insecurity would have prevailed in the state.
Governor Uzodinma also pledged his commitment to continually support the police and other security agencies in the state in thier determined efforts to rid the state of all forms of crime and criminality.
The CP also used the opportunity to advice the operatives to continually respect rights of suspects and to work within the ambit of law, upholding professionalism cum ethics and principles guiding police profession.
The new facilities included additional well furnished cell for both male and female, modern equipped interrogation room, legal and human right desks, lecture hall for officers, administrative offices, among others.
The event attracted prominent personalities in the state including the Chairman of Traditional Rulers in the state, HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke, represented by Eze B. C Onuoha, Chief Principal Security Officer to Governor Uzodinma, CSP Shaba Adamu Gboyako, retired Commissioner of Police, Barr. Nicholas Nkemdiere and former Imo APC chairman, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo.
Others were Special Adviser to Governor Uzodinma on Northern Affairs, Hon. Suleiman Ibrahim Suleiman, Oba of Yoruba Community in Imo State, HRH Oba Oladimeji Musbawudeen, His Worship G. N Nwokeiwu, some management team of the Command, representatives of other security agencies, Civil Society Organizations, among others.
