•As Rivers Command get multiple applause
Emma Sunday
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, AIG Johnson Adenola, has emphasized that the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) is meant for all segments of society.
AIG Adenola stated this during the 2025 merit award ceremony and security lecture, with theme; “Policing the Community Beyond Rhetorics: Challenges and the way forward,” organized by PCRC Zone 16 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Friday.
The Police Chief who commended the organisers, described the theme of the event as apt, noting that PCRC is a bridge between the community and the police.
The AIG urged members to make PCRC more functional and ensure the police and members of different organisations in the society are fully incorporated in their activities, noting that its a pillar of community policing, recognized by the Police Act.
He said, “It is the vision of the IGP to have a people’s friendly Police Force, and it is the PCRC that will make that work, because one of the major role of the PCRC is to bring the community closer to the Police.
“But its like we are turning PCRC to CRC, no enough Police representatives. PCRC as conceived is supposed to be for all segments of the society. Its supposed to be for everybody.
“PCRC is supposed to be a bridge between community and the Police. PCRC is a very serious business not only for parties. There should not be segregation.
“The present Police act recognize community policing, and PCRC is one of the pillars of community Policing,” he said.
AIG Adenola however, pledged to collaborate with the PCRC at the zonal level to enable them achieve the desired goals, while emphasising on improved synergy between the police and members.
“At the zonal level I will enforce it. Police will be part of your activities. The Nigeria Police cannot go far without working with the PCRC.”
The AIG also advised the leadership of PCRC to enlighten members on the mode of operations, while also promising to do same to men and officers of the Zone.
“PCRC is beyond flashing ID cards in Police checkpoints and stations. If Police stop you, stop. Your first reaction is not am a PCRC member, corporate with them, except for a case where they are infringing on your right, you then introduce yourself.
“We will also keep talking to our men as some do not know the essence of PCRC. Lets make PCRC more functional. In PCRC meetings those days they give us security report. There is no financial benefits in PCRC but continue rendering selfless service to humanity” the AIG stated.
In his remark, National Chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, commended leaders of Zone 16 for deeming it feet to recognize and encourage those who have contributed to service of humanity, especially the police officers who are sacrificing their all to ensure the society sleep well.
The National Chairman also praised the Rivers State of PCRC led by Amb. Voke Emore, for their unprecedented efforts that has led to numerous achievements, describing them as one of the most performing commands across the country.
He lauded Amb. Emore and his team high for all their efforts geared towards achieving crime free state in collaboration with the Police command.
“You cannot impersonate PCRC in Rivers State. They are doing extremely well, they are leading all the Commands commend them.”
The PCRC Boss used the medium to thank the IGP and his team for the numerous support given to the PCRC, assuring that, “We are here to appreciate the Nigerian Police led by IGP Egbekotun Kayode. We need to show massive support to the Nigerian Police. Under IGP Kayode, our CPs are friendly.
“The IGP sent best hands to the state and zonal commands. Zone 16 is one of the best in country. We need to redouble our efforts. We are not cultists. We must make PCRC open. If you cannot embrace other religions, we don’t need you in PCRC. You need every person. Go to the traditionalists, Christians, muslims tell them to join PCRC.”
He stressed that, “As PCRC, we need to work with traditionalists to give us information about armed robbers coming to do bullet proof charms. They cannot come to the CP except through you. Go back, mobilize more members to be in Rivers and Bayelsa PCRC commands. With CPs in Rivers and Bayelsa,the states are safe. Don’t be a friend to the criminal. Collaborate with Police” he advised.
Earlier in his brief address, the PCRC Zonal Chairman, and National Special Information and Intelligent Unit Coordinator, Bishop Moses Omonkhuale said PCRC is anchored on service to humanity.
He said that the event was aimed at recognizing and honouring persons who have served humanity in prompting security, good leadership. It is a day of recognition” he said.
On his part, Chairman Rivers State Command of PCRC, Amb. Voke Emore stated that PCRC in Rivers started the year with peace walk. Aside the monthly meetings, they have carried out different projects in the command including but not limited to donation of generator battery in state command headquarters, providing welfare support to the Police etc.
Highpoint of the event was presentation of awards by PCRC Zone 16 Command to the AIG Adenola, National Chairman of PCRC, Commissioners of Police in Bayelsa and Rivers States, CSP Ahmed, amongst others.
Our correspondents reports that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju represented by ACP Udechukwu Philip, Bayelsa CP Alonyenu Idu, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gunn Emonena, Traditional rulers, Deputy National Secretary of PCRC, Mary Joseph and others were all in attendance.
