Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for cooperation and intelligence sharing among neighbouring states in combating crime and insecurity in the country.

Senator Okowa stated this in Awka at the weekend during the 2015 South-East/Delta State Security Summit organised by Governors of the South East and Delta State.

Governor Okowa noted that cooperation and intelligence sharing among neighbouring states would go a long way in addressing crime and other security issues besetting the society.

According to him, “Until state governments are able to provide peace and ensure that the people are secured they will not get the right atmosphere for desired investments that are needed for the creation of employment.

“I want to thank Governor Willie Obaino of Anambra State for putting us together at the Summit and I believe that the cooperation between the states and the people of the various states would help a long way in trying to combat crime.”

While commending the various security agencies for their efforts on security issues in the zone, Okowa pledged that governments in the zone would continue to encourage them on the need for synergy and intelligence sharing in combating crime.

He said: “This summit, which is in collaboration with the security agencies in the states with the public participating actively, is in the right direction in tackling crime. I believe the sharing of idea particularly between Anambra and Delta states is going to help us a lot in our peace building effort in Delta State as we are just separated by the River Niger and a very short stretch of water so the two states are almost alike.

“I believe the sharing of ideas, the sharing of intelligence, working together to actually combat crime will help a lot in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in Delta State.”

The governor disclosed that his administration is holding talks with the Fulani communities on ways to tackle the menace of cattle rearers. He explained that as part of efforts to engender lasting peace, his administration was looking at the possibility of establishing grazing reserves for cattle rearers.

Speaking at the event, Governor e Obiano pledged the commitment of governors in the zone towards sustainable peace in the area, said that Delta and Anambra states would continue to collaborate in various areas to bring meaningful development to the people of the states.

Apart from Okowa and the host, Obiano, the summit, which had the theme ‘Security: Bedrock of Governance’, was attended by governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, and Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase, among others.

•Photo shows Gov Okowa.

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