Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has charged the Police to abhor partisanship and be professional in the discharge of their duties, noting that slide to partisan affiliations on their part, will permanently dent their ethical and professional reputation with irrevocable scars.
Governor Fubara who made this known while handing over 100 Operational Vehicles to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said the gesture was a show of appreciation by the Rivers State Government to boost the efforts of the police in combating crimes.
The governor acknowledged the importance of mobility as key logistics to security duties, and said series of support has been put in place, and will continue to be provided for the Police in Rivers State to enhance smooth response to crime scenes.
“We discovered that response to crime scenes to attack and other things were being slow because you lack mobility. What we just did is the first phase of support to the Nigeria Police. We also intend to come again to give you other sophisticated vehicles to support what you are doing.”
He emphasised that his request since assumption of duty by the Commissioner of Police in the State is for the Police to protect the lives and property of Rivers people and be fair in carrying out their duties.
“I need to say this so you understand. When the Commissioner of Police came into Rivers State, and I had my encounter with you, I requested only one thing. That I will never ask you to do what is wrong, do what is right, protect the lives and property of Rivers people, and don’t be partisan.”
Gov. Fubara pointed out that being partisan in their operations most often have repercussions as officers involved always end in shame.
“We have seen those people that are partisan, how they ended. And I am saying it here, everyone of you that is an officer that is being partisan, you will see how you will end.”
The governor urged the officers to work in ways that will earn them good names such that even in their departure from the State they will always be remembered and there will be no fears when their children also visit Rivers State, adding that nothing lasts forever as politics will come and go, but individual’s actions are forever remembered.
“As a professional that you are, your duty is to protect lives and property of Rivers State, not to protect any individual. It is not to be one sided in the political affair of the State. Politics will come and it will go. The enemity you are creating for those of you that are partisan will live with you forever. So, I want to advise you, for me I have said it before, I will never ask any of you to do what is wrong.”
“My appeal is to stand on the ethics of your profession, protect lives and property of Rivers people, be fair to all. For us as a government, we will continue to support you because if you are not our friend, is it the criminals that will be our friends? So we need to accommodate, tolerate and work with you so that at the end people can live freely, move freely and do their business freely in Rivers State.”
Gov. Fubara commended the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olatunji Disu for his resilience and commitment to fighting crime in the State and assured him of the support of Rivers State Government to succeed.
Speaking earlier, Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olatunji Disu applauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the magnanimity of donating 100 Operational Vehicles to the Command, describing it as the unwavering commitment of the governor to support the Nigerian Police force and dedication to the welfare of the community.
According to Disu, “This act of generosity not only enhances our operational capacity but also reflects your deep concern for the citizens of the State”‘ assuring that the vehicles will empower the Police in the State to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies and enhance community policing efforts.
CP Disu reassures the governor of the commitment of the Police in combating crime in the State and upholding the rule of law.