By Chuks Eke—
A human rights group, the Welfare and Peace Universal Human Rights Initiative (WEPAUHRI), has restated its commitment to partnering with the police and other security agencies to stamp out crime and human rights abuses across Anambra State.
The group’s Chairman, Comrade Okechukwu Onwuzuluigbo, disclosed this on Wednesday when executive members paid a courtesy and welcome visit to the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 13 Zonal Police Command, Ukpo, Miller Dantawaye, in his office.
He explained that the organisation has already been collaborating with security agencies at both the local government level in Aguata and the state level, and now wishes to expand its partnership to the zonal level.
Flanked by Vice Chairman Comrade Emmanuel Ogechukwu, Secretary Comrade Chukwuma Ononugbu, and other executive members, Comrade Onwuzuluigbo emphasized that the group has provided valuable information to the police, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the busting of criminal rings at rural and state levels.
He expressed strong confidence in the police for their prompt response to reports of criminal acts and human rights abuses, and urged AIG Dantawaye to keep the door open for urgent community concerns.
He also welcomed the AIG to the zone and assured him of continued support to help him carry out his duties, building on successful partnerships with previous AIGs in the region.
In his response, AIG Dantawaye commended the group for its initiative and urged members not to relent in their efforts to make society habitable for all peace-loving individuals and groups in the zone.
According to the AIG, “If you see a crime committed somewhere, expose it immediately so that it can be nipped in the bud. If you fail to expose it, it will continue to linger and expand until it affects you personally or someone close to you, and by then you will start regretting why you concealed it—hence the saying, ‘had I known’ is a brother to ‘too late’.”
“Here in the Zone 13 Zonal Command, we coordinate police affairs in Anambra and Enugu states, and we cannot be everywhere. Your duty is to report any case to the divisional level in your locality.
“If you feel you were not given prompt attention, report to the nearest Area Command. If they fail to act, go to the State Command, and if you are still not satisfied, come directly to my office. I can assure you that you will be satisfied at the end of the day,” AIG Dantawaye assured.
