….Rivers governor pledges continued support for police as IGP seeks cooperation ahead of 2027 elections
Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (right), presenting a plaque to the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu (left),during the courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has attributed the elevation of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to the professionalism, dedication and commitment to duty he demonstrated while serving as Commissioner of Police in the state.
Fubara spoke on Tuesday when Disu paid a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt, describing the police chief’s appointment as a recognition of his effective handling of security challenges during a turbulent period in Rivers State.
The governor said he was particularly pleased to receive Disu, who served in Rivers at the height of the political crisis, noting that his conduct during the period demonstrated a commitment to his constitutional responsibilities despite the prevailing tensions.
“I feel very happy that somebody who left here in a very difficult situation, in a very trying time, is here today visiting us in a higher capacity,” Fubara said.
He commended the IGP for maintaining a balanced and professional approach while discharging his duties, despite the political difficulties confronting the state during his tenure as commissioner of police.
“While he was here as Commissioner of Police, it was at the peak of a crisis, but I can tell you that he did his work not minding the situation. He tried as much as he could to balance all areas,” the governor said.
Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara (middle ) in a group photograph with the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu and members of his entourage during the courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Fubara added that Disu’s performance in Rivers State had contributed to his elevation to the highest office in the Nigeria Police Force.
Describing the IGP’s visit as a homecoming, the governor said anyone who served a community meritoriously would remain part of its history.
He expressed confidence that Disu’s role during the political crisis would be remembered when the history of his administration was written.
The governor, however, noted that the IGP had assumed office at another challenging period for the country, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.
He expressed hope that the police chief would successfully navigate the security challenges associated with the elections and other national concerns.
“You are taking this new office at a very difficult time too, considering the challenges we are already facing in this country and the one we are about to enter into, which is the election. I strongly believe that God will give you the grace to surmount that challenge,” he said.
Fubara assured the police chief of the Rivers State Government’s continued support and cooperation in maintaining law and order.
He also prayed for Disu’s success, expressing confidence that his tenure would bring further progress in his policing career.
Earlier, the IGP said his visit was an opportunity to express appreciation to Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their cooperation during his tenure as commissioner of police.
Disu also disclosed that he was in Port Harcourt to attend the book launch of Dame Stella Okuyiga, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and one of the first 20 women to join the Nigeria Police Force.
He described Okuyiga, who is 94 years old, as a living monument whose contributions to the police institution deserved recognition.
The police chief commended Rivers residents for supporting peace and thanked Fubara for the assistance extended to him during his tenure as commissioner and the continued support being given to his successor.
He stressed that cooperation between the state government and security agencies was essential for effective policing, noting that the absence of such collaboration would make the task more difficult.
Disu added that other security agencies in the state had also asked him to convey their appreciation to the governor for his support to the security sector.