By Anayo Okoli

Umuahia—The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has explained the concept behind the Eminent Peoples Forum, EPF, introduced across police commands in the country.

The explanation was given by Leye Oyebade, Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command who represented the IGP at the inaugural meeting of the Forum on Tuesday.

According to him, the orthodox concepts which regards security as the exclusive preserve of the police and security agencies alone has become obsolete and moribund. “Security is now the concern of all citizens in the country, traditional rulers, traders, politicians, captains of industry are all stakeholders in the renewed security project,” he said.

The IGP said membership would comprise critical stakeholders such as community leaders, Religious leaders, retired senior security officers, traditional rulers, among others.

He said the Forum would assist in mediation and social control during security challenges when necessary. Idris noted that development would not be achieved unless security of lives and properties are guaranteed.