A human rights lawyer Arochukwu Paul Ogbonna Esq has urged residents of the state to cooperate with the Police on stop and search to secure lives and property better..
Mr Ogbonna stated this during a stakeholders meeting of Civil Society Organizations, Security agencies and other stakeholders in PortHarcourt on Wednesday June 28,2023.
He said “on the issue of stop and search,it is advisable that members of the public cooperate with security agencies on the issue,because mere stopping and searching does not amount to any crime.
“So you should cooperate with the Police particularly when you know you have nothing to fear,so that they can discharge their functions .
“That function they are doing there, is to secure lives,secure liberty and to secure the society better . Also human rights training is necessary for members of the Police too.
” Dedicated lines should be made available by security agencies so that people can promptly report issues on violation of human rights.
“Most importantly is that erring Officers could as well be reported and monitored so that together as stakeholders in the society we can make progress “.
“There is need for more funding for the Police as well as need for the Police institution to adequately and strictly account for funds and resources made available to them”.