Okorocha launches 'Security Black File' for crime prevention and control

Governor Okorocha 3rd from left, addressing Imolites during the official launch of 'The Imo Security Black File' 

The Imo State government has launched a security organization called 'The Imo Security Black File' in continuation of the State government's bid to beef up security in the State ahead of Christmas and the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.

Performing the ceremony at the Nick’s Banquets Hall, Government House Owerri today, Governor Rochas Okorocha said that the Security Black File is in line with the Igbo tradition and would contain the names and communities of all crime suspects in the State. Said he; “we will go back to the cultural and traditional method of crime prevention which involves exposing criminals.  Igbo’s are proud of and conscious of their root and hates public disgrace.”

Governor Okorocha tasked the Traditional rulers to stand as Chief Security Officers of their various communities adding that the 'black file' is part of “Operation stop them before they strike” and would be with the traditional rulers and all government agencies.

He stressed that the file is highly confidential and warned that it should not be used vindictively or out of sentiments, pointing out that the exercise would go down in the State even in the next 100 years, in crime control.

The State Chief Executive, who noted that the exercise would aim at changing criminals to responsible citizens, disclosed that henceforth the names of criminals and their communities would be announced alongside their Traditional rulers from time to time.  He urged the traditional rulers to work in synergy with the Police and other Security outfits in the State as he assured the State government's readiness to provide both enabling ground and logistics to ensure the success of the programme.

Governor Okorocha presenting a copy of the 'Black File' to one of the Traditional Rulers

Present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere, the State Exco members, representative of the State Commissioner of Police, traditional rulers in the State among others.