... caution Nonsonkwa against whipping up religious sentiments
By Prisca Nguzo
Critical Stakeholders in Imo State have said that construction of places of worship within police formations is normal and necessary in order to afford members of police communities easy access to commune with God and enhance their spirituality.
Chief Patrick Nwosu, member of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Mr. Jude Onwuemego, a human rights activist, Mrs. Doris Igbokwe, a retired Custom officer, among other Imo stakeholders and residents stated this while reacting to a social media post made by one Nonsonkwa calling for public probe over the construction of a mosque by the DPO of New Owerri Division within the division.
Nwosu, Onwuemego and others insisted that police officers like every other Nigeria citizens have constitutional right to freedom of worship and should be allowed to assemble and worship at any place convenient for them as long as the place is not illegal or disturbs public peace.
Also reacting, the Imo Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye said the mosque was provided as a place of worship for Muslim police officers at the Division to enable them observe their daily prayers without leaving their duty posts.
He disclosed that the New Owerri Division, like the Command Headquarters and some other divisions also have an existing chapel where Christian police officers regularly worship.
Okoye further said that the existence of the worship places help in enhancing officers' availability for their operational responsibilities.
He said, "The Imo State Police Command has noted a social media publication by Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonsokwa, concerning the construction of a mosque at the New Owerri Police Division. The Command considers it necessary to clarify the facts in order to prevent misinformation and forestall any attempt to create unnecessary religious misunderstanding or public misperception.
"The Command wish to state that the construction of the mosque was an initiative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), New Owerri Police Division, CSP Safiyanu Usman Gwarzo, and was approved by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips. The project was made possible through the support of public-spirited individuals.
"The mosque was provided as a place of worship for Muslim police officers at the Division, enabling them to observe their daily prayers without leaving their duty posts, thereby enhancing their availability for operational responsibilities. The Division also has an existing chapel where Christian police officers regularly worship.
"Places of worship within police formations are not a new development in the Nigeria Police Force. Many police barracks and formations across the country have existing chapels and mosques to meet the religious needs of personnel. The mosque at the New Owerri Police Division is consistent with this longstanding practice.
"The provision of both the mosque and the chapel reflects the Command's commitment to upholding the constitutional right to freedom of religion and ensuring that personnel of all faiths can practise their religion without discrimination. These facilities are intended solely for personnel welfare and operational effectiveness and should not be misconstrued as conferring preference on any religious group.
"Through the same initiative and the support of public-spirited individuals, the DPO has also facilitated the construction of an administrative block and other infrastructural improvements to enhance personnel welfare and service delivery. These efforts have contributed to effective policing and the prevailing peace and security in New Owerri."
"The Imo State Police Command urges members of the public to verify information before sharing it and to refrain from making or disseminating statements capable of inciting religious discord or disturbing public peace. The Command remains committed to impartial policing, religious tolerance, and the protection of the constitutional rights of all persons." Okoye added.
