The newly created Zone 16, which comprises Bayelsa and Rivers states, Tuesday inaugurated the first Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) in Yenagoa.

The inauguration of the seven-man Committee took place at the Police Officers’ mess in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.

Recall that the PCRC was initiated on May 8, 1984 by one-time Inspector General of Police, late Sir Etim Inyang, to promote police/community collaboration, in order to address community crime situations and other safety needs.

Mr. George Madume is to serve as the Chairman of the Committee while Mr. Freston Akpo, Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa Ministry of Information, is the Secretary.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of the Zone Mr. Austin Agbonlahor, said the PCRC was geared to foster peace amongst the people.

He urged them to leave up to their responsibility, in discharging their duties, in the new appointment given to them.

The AIG appealed to them to serve the people diligently and not the people serving them, as they are at the helm of affairs. He tasked them to always avail the Police, with necessary information on time without fear or intimidation.

In his contribution, the Chairman, Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, urged them to be of good conduct in discharging their duties.

He appealed to the Government to build a befitting structure for the Bayelsa Police Headquarters, which he said is very old.

Represented by King Funpere Akah, the Ebenanaowei of Gbarain Kingdom, in Bayelsa, also caution them to be of good behaviour with the people, for the sake of peace and stability.

In her speech, wife of the Governor, Mrs. Gloria Diri, said with this, the security situation in Bayelsa will surely improve.

She commended the Zone for creating the PCRC to foster peace amongst the people of Bayelsa and Rivers.

Represented by Mrs. Stella Ugolo, the First Lady commended the Assistant Inspector General of Police for bringing the PCRC closer to the people.

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