CHRAN meets CP, lauds police handling of NLC/COs protest in Akwa Ibom
A human rights group in Nigeria, Center For Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has commended the new Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force, CP Ayilara Waheed Adedamola, on the professional conduct of Police personnel during the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) nationwide protest in the state.
The CHRAN made the commendation through its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, when the center paid a familiarisation visit to the new Commissioner of Police on Wednesday, 28 February 2024, at the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.
The CHRAN noted that it has a long-standing cordial working relationship with the Nigeria Police Force, especially the Akwa Ibom State Command, saying it would extend the relationship to the new Commissioner of Police.
The center also lauded the handling of the Eket/Esit Eket/Ibeno communal crisis by security agencies in the State, including the Police, noting that with the deployment of CP Adedamola to Akwa Ibom, going by his records in previous postings, it is expected that Akwa Ibom State will enjoy peace and security.
In his response, CP Ayilara Waheed Adedamola thanked members of the CHRAN for the visit, assuring that during his tour of duty in the State, effective policing and professionalism in service would be his watchwords.
He promised to partner with the CHRAN while calling on civil society organisations (CSOs) in the State to work with the Police to ensure effective policing of Akwa Ibom State. He stated that it is only when there is peace and security that human activities can thrive, hence, security is everyone’s responsibility.
Other members of CHRAN at the event were: Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo, Secretary; Comrade Aniedi Michaels, Director of Youth Affairs; Comrade Emmanuel Udoatta, Deputy Director, Intergovernmental Affairs; Comrade Linus Udoma, Comrade Utibe Archibong and Comrade Francis Edet.
