By Amos Tauna
Nigeria Police says it has concluded plans for the setting up of a broadcasting station, Nigeria Police Broadcasting Services, NPBS.
Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, made this known while addressing Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum.
A statement by police spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, quotes the IGP saying the station would assist in addressing many current security challenges across the country.
“I passionately wish to seek Your Excellences assistance for the funding of the Nigeria Police Broadcasting Services (NPBS) which is a project being created to deliver Public Service Broadcast function that will assist in addressing many of the current security challenges across the country,” Ibrahim Idris appeals to Governors.
He explains that the station would bridge the gap between the Nigeria Police and members of the public. “When commissioned, it will broadcast Nationwide on TV, Radio, online and the National Emergency Communication Command Control Centre (NEC4) with its Headquarters in Abuja and locations in each of the thirty six (36) States and the FCT to give effective national coverage.
“It will enable the Police to tell its story and set the record straight by telling positive stories and correcting distorted information.”
He observed that the station would be used to build community relations and enhance positive relations with members of the public.
He noted that the regular budgetary allocation to the Police cannot fund Police operations without alternative source of funding, assuring that the police under him would guarantee the protection of lives and property in the country
Responding, Chairman, Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Gov. Abdulhazeez Yari of Zamfara State, commended the police boss for dousing security challenges in the country.
He assured the IGP of their support to ensure the success and smooth takeoff of the broadcasting services, saying issue of security should be seen as every body’s business.
The Governors Forum has set up a committee chaired by the governor of Kwara state, governors to serve in the committee are Bauchi, Imo, Delta, Sokoto, as well as members of technical committee from the proposed Police Broadcasting Services.
Some of the governors who spoke on the project commended the IGP for his effort in dousing tension in the country, despite limited resources.
