Presenting the vehicles at the Alex Ekwueme Square to the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, Governor Obiano said it was part of the larger plan by his administration to refocus its strategy in the war against crime and criminality in Anambra State.
According to him, Anambra State under his watch was ready to recommit itself to the ideals of a free society; the preservation of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Recalling the history of the war against criminals in the state, Governor Obiano warned that after 18 months of the launch of Operation Kpochapu, a special task force against crime, “we have decided to raise a new battle cry against criminals, moving swiftly from crime-fighting to crime detection and prevention. And we are flagging-off this new phase with 25 American-style, highly equipped patrol cars, Speed Guns to track over-speeding vehicles, Alcohol Detecting kits and other special kits that will aid crime detection and prevention.”
Offering further insight into the new security order in the state, Governor Obiano explained that “we are not only taking the bold initiative to secure lives and property in Anambra State, we are also taking decisive steps to halt the carnage on our roads.”
Recalling the spate of fatal accidents that had taken place in the state in recent times, the governor recalled that, “each time I visit the scene of a fatal accident, I often asked myself the question, “why did this happen and for how long?” How long shall we watch our people die avoidable death and what changes can we make to make things right?
“It is gratifying that today, we have come up with one or two things that we can and must do to make a change. The introduction of Speed Guns to track over-speeding vehicles as well as the use of the Alcohol Detecting Device represent a bold attempt to proffer answers to the questions above. My administration is determined to ensure that no Nigerian who finds his or herself within the geographical space of Anambra State shall run the risk of avoidable death from over-speeding vehicles or a drunk-driver! I have no doubt in my mind that with a committed use of the Speed Guns and the Alcohol Detecting devices, we shall save ourselves the agony of avoidable death from auto accidents.”
Recalling the highlights of his administration’s crime-bursting heroics in the last 19 months, Governor Obiano declared that “we have re-taken our cities and our communities from violent criminals and kidnappers that for over 40 years had turned our beloved state into the Hobbesian State of nature where life was nasty, brutish and short! We have re-possessed our pride as a great and enterprising people whose genius does not only flourish abroad but can take firm roots at home.”
Also speaking at the event, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase observed that Anambra State presents a peculiar security challenge and as the commercial heartbeat of the south east the state requires a leader with the political will and a clear vision like governor Obiano to draw budgetary resources to equip the police and energize the security architecture in a manner that will motivate the security personnel to operate optimally and remain ahead of criminal elements in the battle to re-assure the citizens of security and safety.
According to him, “the huge budgetary investment into the acquisition of the items being donated today reaffirms governor Obiano’s determination to prioritize security in the state. Under his leadership Anambra State has by today’s event set a worthy pace in security management for other state executives especially in the south east.”
The IG of Police also pointed out that by “dedicating scarce resources to support the federal government in securing lives and property at this crucial stage in our nation’s history, governor Obiano has given effect to the sacred provision of the Nigerian constitution which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”