Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged police officers to refrain from partisanship, warning that neglecting their core professional duties to pursue personal political interests could ultimately harm them.
Fubara emphasized that police officers are trained professionals tasked with safeguarding lives and property while fostering peace in the state as a patriotic responsibility. He stressed that it is a violation of their duty to protect specific individuals or engage in biased political activities that compromise the welfare of the state.
The governor delivered this message during the inauguration and formal handover of 100 operational vehicles to the Rivers State Police Command at Sharks Football Stadium in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
This information was included in a statement released by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, and shared with the media.
He said, “I need to say this so that you will understand. When you (Disu) came to 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. So do what is right. Protect the lives and property of Rivers people. Don’t be partisan.
“We have seen those people that were partisan; how they ended. And, I am saying it here to every one of you who is an officer who is being partisan: You will see how you will end.
So, work in such a way that when your name is mentioned in this State, or your children come to this state, you won’t be scared. This is important.”
Fubara urged them to set aside the current political tensions in the state, asserting that nothing is permanent.
He encouraged them to perform their duties as true professionals, emphasizing the importance of their training in effectively safeguarding the lives and property of the people in Rivers State.
“It is not to protect any individual. It is not to be one-sided in the political affairs of the State. Politics will come and it will go. The enmity you are creating, for those of you who are partisan, will live with you forever.
“So, I want to advise you, I have said it before, and I am saying it again: I will never ask any of you to do what is wrong. My appeal is: to stand on the ethics of your profession and protect the lives and property of Rivers people. Be fair to all.” He added
While discussing the donated vehicles, Governor Fubara stated that this accomplishment is a reflection of the Commissioner of Police’s initiative to provide such operational vehicles for his Command.
Fubara clarified that his initial intention was to supply high-profile vehicles to all security agencies in the state in order to significantly enhance their operational capabilities.
Fubara assured that his administration will consistently support the police as a state government, emphasizing that they are valuable allies because criminals cannot be trusted as friends.
He emphasised, “So, we need to accommodate you. We need to tolerate you. We need to work with you so that, in the end, people can live freely, move freely, and do their businesses freely in Rivers State.
“My Honourable CP, like I said before privately, I am saying it again: I want to appreciate you. We will give you all the support to succeed. I will give you all the support that will help to build your name into a better reckoning when you leave here. I am very sure God will elevate you positively,” he added.
In his opening remarks, Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu characterized the event as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of the state.
CP Disu expressed his gratitude to Governor Fubara for his steadfast support of the state Command, which has fostered their commitment to serving the welfare of the diverse communities.
