By Emeka Nwokocha
ASABA/Nigeria: Civil society organisations, the police and citizens have been urged to strengthen cooperation in protecting human rights, improving public safety and promoting accountability as part of efforts to build safer communities in Delta State.
The call was made at an interactive meeting and luncheon hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, at the Officers’ Mess in Asaba on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The meeting, organised in line with a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, brought together human rights advocates and civil society representatives to discuss police accountability, citizens’ rights, public complaints and ways to improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
A central contribution came from Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI) and Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), who argued that meaningful societal development depends on the combined efforts of public institutions, civil society and responsible citizens.
Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Civil Society, the Police and Citizens in Societal Development,” Egedegbe said no single institution could independently guarantee security, justice and improved living conditions without the cooperation of other stakeholders.
He described civil society organisations as important channels for human rights advocacy, civic education, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and community mobilisation. He added that such organisations also have a responsibility to hold public and private institutions accountable through constructive engagement.
On the role of the police, Egedegbe said protecting lives and property, preventing crime, maintaining public order and supporting the administration of justice were central responsibilities of the institution.
He stressed that professionalism, integrity, impartiality and accountability were essential to earning public confidence, noting that the relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve depends significantly on how officers exercise their authority.
Egedegbe also called on citizens to play an active role in maintaining peaceful communities by obeying the law, reporting crime responsibly, cooperating with legitimate security agencies and rejecting mob justice and violence.
He urged residents to respect diversity and participate in community development initiatives, arguing that public safety should not be treated as the responsibility of security agencies alone.
Identifying corruption, political interference, unprofessional conduct, weak public trust and limited citizen participation as obstacles to effective collaboration, the civil society leader advocated stronger professional ethics, improved community policing, civic education and more transparent communication between institutions and the public.
He also called for sustained dialogue, early intervention in conflicts and comprehensive support for victims, describing these measures as necessary for building trust and preventing disputes from escalating.
In his remarks, CP Erale acknowledged the contribution of civil society organisations to public accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professional policing, respect for human rights and zero tolerance for extortion and other forms of misconduct by police personnel.
He also assured participants that the command would improve accessibility, give prompt attention to legitimate complaints and maintain regular engagement with civil society groups.
Erale said sustained cooperation and open communication were necessary to strengthen public confidence in policing and promote peace and security across the state.
The Delta State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Nor Chia Shaku, also reaffirmed the commission’s willingness to work with the police on human rights protection.
Shaku explained that the commission’s role was not to antagonise institutions or individuals but to promote compliance with the law and address rights-related concerns through its statutory mandate.
He urged the police commissioner to keep communication channels open so that issues could be raised and resolved through appropriate engagement.
Also contributing, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo, National Secretary of CRCEI, and Comrade Umukoro Efemena welcomed the meeting and pledged the support of civil society groups for efforts to improve policing and protect citizens’ rights.
They called on police personnel to respect fundamental rights, noting that public trust grows when officers act as protectors but can deteriorate when their conduct creates fear among the people they serve.
The activists also advocated responsible civil rights engagement based on the principles of consultation, consolidation and confrontation where necessary, while stressing that the rights of law enforcement personnel should equally be respected.
Civil rights advocate Atiku Sunday presented a goodwill message on behalf of Omemiroro Ogedegbe, Director-General of the Conference for the Actualisation of Human Rights (CONFAB). The message commended the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen trust, accountability, human rights protection and community safety.
Other participants included Comrade Austin Ozobo, publisher of Congress Newspaper; civic activist Rex Anighoro; Comrade Godstime Ukuanovwe, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Civic Engagement and Civil Society; Comrade Jokpa Ekpomedaye; Comrade Harrison Itula; Comrade Tega Shalope; Comrade Ejiro Loromeke; Comrade Efe Eruotor; Comrade Efe Gold; Comrade Goodluck OmoEfe; Comrade Stanley Ontop; Comrade Mayoma Simon; and Comrade Kate Oyiborode, among others.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the police and civil society representatives to discuss how dialogue, accountability and responsible public participation could strengthen community relations. The practical test will be whether the commitments made at the meeting translate into accessible complaint channels, consistent responses to alleged misconduct and sustained cooperation beyond the event.
