Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has underscored the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the effective fight against all forms of criminality in the country.

Governor Oborevwori noted that effective deployment of ICT in the fight against crime and criminality would promote peace and create a business friendly-ambience that would ultimately stimulate investors’ confidence in Nigeria.

He disclosed this Wednesday when he received on a courtesy visit, the Deputy Inspector- General of Police (DIG) in-charge of ICT Department, Force Headquarters, DIG Sokari Pedro, who doubles as the Chief Police Officer in-charge of the South South geopolitical zone of the country, at Government House, Asaba.

The Governor said it was worthy to note that the use of lCT had improved effectiveness, efficiency and capacity of the Nigerian Police Force in managing investigation, intelligence- gathering and prosecution of suspects.

While saying that the effort to make the Nigerian Police Force ICT- compliant was very commendable, Oborevwori applauded the Police Force for their effective role in protecting lives and property and for collaborating with the state government in ensuring that Delta State remained peaceful.

“In my MORE Agenda, I promised Deltans that I am going to enhance peace and security. This is where I grew up and I know the terrain very well. The peace we have enjoyed for the past one year, despite what happened in Okuama, is beyond human expection.

“I am also glad that when they were giving awards in Nigeria, some persons who have helped us through the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies, got awards.

“If we are not doing well, they will not get those awards. There is a particular place in Delta State, where, for almost 20 years, you see civilians illegally bearing rifles and even to arrest them was a problem.

“But when one of your officers was transferred there, I will tell you today that you can drive through that place without fear any time any day. He has recovered a lot of arms. If he hears any gunshot, he goes to trace who had shot the gun.

“I want to commend you people for giving us that gallant officer at Ekpan. Today, Ekpan is very peaceful and I thank God that the IGP gave him an award,” the governor said.

He pointed out that managing Delta State, which has diverse ethnic nationalities, was not easy, adding, however, that the support the state government had provided had encouraged the Nigerian Police in making the state safe and secure.

The Governor disclosed that his administration had procured some vehicles that would be handed over to the Police to enhance their operational efficiency, adding that he would soon invite the Inspector-General of Police to commission them.

Earlier, DlG Pedro said his visit to Government House, Asaba, was part of his familiarisation tour of states under his zone and sued for the support of all in warding off criminal elements from perpetuating their evil schemes in the state.

The DIG, who noted that the South South geopolitical zone occupied a strategic position in the country, advocated for a robust partnership among state governments in the zone, the police and other security agencies to promote sustainable peace in the area.

He lauded Oborevwori for his accomplishments within one year of his inauguration as Governor of the state and for his support for Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, even as he assured the Governor of maximum cooperation in maintaining law and order in the state and other states within the zone.

The DIG Identified the salutary effects of the human capital development efforts of the Oborevwori administration on youths and the unemployed as a sure way to ameliorate youth restiveness and criminal activities, even as he expressed satisfaction with the tempo of infrastructural development in the state.

•PHOTO: Delta Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori( 9thright) , Secretary to State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu( 9thleft), the State Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko ( 8thleft), the DIG in charge of ICT Department , Force Headquarters and South South, DIG Dokari Pedro( 8^th right) , AIG, Arungwa Nwazue(7^th right) and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Abaniwonda Olufemi (6^th right). Others are the Commissioner for Information, Dr Michael Osuoza (6^th left) including other Officers of the Nigeria Police force and top government functionaries shortly after the DIG’s visit to the Governor at Government House, Asaba on Wednesday.

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