Awka – Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, said on Friday that no Nigerian resident in or visiting the state would run the risk of avoidable death from over-speeding vehicles or a drunk-driver.
He stated this in Awka while presenting 25 special patrol cars to the Police Command in the state as part of his renewed efforts to fight crime.
The governor recalled that his administration had on April 28, 2014, inaugurated “Operation Kpochapu” with 125 patrol vehicles to fight crime, and said that the new vehicles were to support the fleet.
He said that the new vehicles were equipped with gadgets to track over-speeding vehicles, alcohol detecting kits and other special kits that would aid crime detection and prevention.
He said that with the new vehicles, the government decided to raise a new ‘’battle cry’’ against criminals from crime-fighting to crime-detection and prevention.
“My administration is determined to ensure that no Nigerian who finds his or herself within the geographical space of the state shall run the risk of avoidable death from over-speeding vehicles or a drunk-driver,’’ Obiano said.
He explained that the vehicles were modelled after the rapid response cars used by the police in the US, ‘’with all the modern communication compliments and the advantages of speed and efficiency.”
He said that introduction of speed guns to track over-speeding vehicles as well as the use of alcohol detecting device attached to the patrol cars were to curb the high rate of road accidents in the state.
The governor said that the peace attained in the state had attracted investments in the agriculture and power sectors, among others.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
He assured residents of adequate security during the yuletide, adding that amazing Christmas decorations would adorn major roads and streets during the period.
Receiving the vehicles, Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, commended the governor for the gesture, and said that the vehicles would enhance operational capacity of the police in the state.
Arase said that the equipment attached to the vehicles would also help the command to operate effectively in the drive against criminals.
He said that Anambra had set a pace in the South-East, and urged other governors to emulate Obiano.
“This huge investment will not be in vain; I assure that the Police will not fail.
“This gesture is a challenge to the police and as such, we must reward this through communal policing against criminals,” Arase said. (NAN)
