May 21, 2021
By Aruna Kamara in Bo
As the newly transferred Assistant Inspector General Police to the Southern Region, AIG Aiah Edward Samadia, takes over the mantle of leadership on Tuesday, 18th May 2021, he has promised to provide 21st century policing to the people in the southern region.
He made this statement during the handing over of office to him by his predecessor, AIG William Fayia Sellu.
AIG Samadia said that ‘’ where my predecessor stopped that is where I will continue and I was overwhelmed by this handing over notes and that the findings have revealed that violent crime has reduced in Bo, which I am happy about.’’
He stated: “I want to assure the people of Bo that they should trust me to provide 21st century policing systems and procedures; that is proactive policing with community engagement and I expect the people of Bo and the southern region to cooperate with me to provide relevant information to curb criminality in the communities, ’he stressed.
He spoke on his academic background saying: “I started my primary school in Freetown and part of my secondary in Kono and Freetown. I later decided to recharge my academic battery and pursued Bachelor of Art( Honours) in Political Science and also attained Masters in Strategic Development and Security Studies.’’
AIG Samadia maintained that their job is transferable to any place and the south is not an exception. He said he is willing to serve the people of the southern region, but declined to disclose strategies to curb crime.
He added: “I have worked in various places and department within the police including the CID and the operational wing of police.’’
After handing over the mantle of responsibility, AIG William Fayia Sellu said that:
‘’ I am leaving Bo in a capable hand; and the man that is replacing me is another career and seasoned office,’’
He noted: “we have compared notes and I want to encourage the people of Bo and the south in general to give support to my successor. I want to thank the people of the south for their support.’’
He said he is now going to take over of a national office in the police as Director of Crime Services with six departments under his supervision including Criminal Investigation Department , Family Support Unit , Interpol, Trans-national Organize Crime, Legal and Justice System and Witness Protection.’’
As a demonstration of recognition and appreciation, the Catholic Bishop of Bo Diocese, Bishop Charles Campbell on Tuesday 18th May 2021, offered fervent prayers for the outgoing Regional Police Commander South AIG William Fayia Sellu .
Bishop Charles Campbell blessed the Regional Police Commander -South for his remarkable security provision for the people of Bo City and the entire region.
“Go in peace as we will always continue to pray for you owning to your immense contributions towards the maintenance of law and order in the Region’ and may the Almighty God continue to bless, guide and protect you in your policing career,” he concluded.
In a separate development, the Local Unit Commander of Bo East Division Supt. Paul Bannister and a cross section of his Tasking and Coordinating Group (TCG) members paid a courtesy call on the new Regional Police Commander- South AIG Aiah Edward Samadia and formally welcomed him to Bo.
“We are pleased to receive you as the Regional Police Commander South and assure you of our unflinching support at all times,”he said.
In response, the Regional Police Commander South AIG Aiah Edward Samadia thanked the LUC and team for their recognition. He further intimated them that he is keen about proactive policing in a bid to combat any unforeseen circumstances.
He said he has no friend when it comes to work and he therefore implored all and sundry to work as a team for the betterment of the organization, the SLP.
The proactive and dynamic Regional Police Commander South embarked on a site seeing exercise of the newly constructed Bo Rangers Football club house in Bo in order to acquaint himself with the terrain, ahead of the official opening ceremony by His Excellency Dr. Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio scheduled to take place on Friday 21st may 2021.