Rivers NUJ, PMAN, Others Begin Campaign For Crime-Free State

As part of efforts to combat crime across the Port Harcourt metropolis, stakeholders drawn from business, media and entertainment sectors have begun a campaign tagged, “Rivers Zero Crime Initiative”.
The campaign is being done in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and is expected to go round the metropolis, and some rural towns in the State.
Among the key stakeholders in the campaign are the Rivers Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), National Hotel Owners Association, Rivers State Chapter and the media.
The joint collaboration forms part of measures to make Rivers a safe haven for both residents and investors, tagged “Operation Zero Crime” in the State.
During a one-week programme, initiated by the State Commissioner of Police, Emeka Polycarp Nwonyi, the state police boss said it was to ensure a safe and crime-free environment in the 23 local government areas of the State, as well as strengthen the confidence of the people in the police.
Other organisations involved in the planning of the programme include Nollywood actors and actresses, legal and medical practitioners and lecturers.
Secretary to the Rivers State Council of the NUJ, Ike Wigodo and the coordinator of the programme, Kate Ezeigbo, said the one-week event will feature road walk, workshop, medical outreach by the Commissioner of Police, essay competition, beauty pageant (Queens and Kings), football competition (CP Cup) and concert (night of laughter).
On his part, the Secretary of the National Association of Hotel Owners in Rivers State, Napoleon Koko, stated that the campaign will help boost the economy of the State, and attract tourists and investors.
Koko was of the view that security is key to economic development and for the business environment to thrive, as he urged all citizens to support the campaign.
The Commissioner of Police, his management team and officers will embark on stop and search, present gift items and visit major flashpoints to educate youths on why they should shun crime and live responsible and crime-free lives during the one-week event that will run from August to September.

By: Kevin Nengia