Fubara warns Rivers police against partisanship

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has cautioned police officers against becoming partisan and abandoning their core professional responsibilities to pursue vested political interests, warning that such actions could ultimately harm them in the long run.

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Fubara stressed that police officers are professionals whose primary duty is to protect lives and property while contributing to peace in the state as a patriotic duty.

He described any deviation from this role, including protecting specific individuals or favoring one side in political matters, as an “aberration.”

Fubara made these remarks at the inauguration and formal handover of 100 operational vehicles acquired by his administration to the Rivers State Police Command at the Sharks Football Stadium in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Fubara, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, reminded the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Olatunji Disu, of their first encounter saying: “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.”

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He urged the officers to remain professional and not get involved in the current political anxiety in the state, maintaining that “nothing will last forever.” He added that their role is to protect the lives and property of the people, not to align with any political faction.

Fubara further explained that the donation of the 100 operational vehicles was initiated by the Commissioner of Police, who suggested acquiring practical vehicles like the Toyota Sienna, Camry, and Corolla to improve police mobility and response times to crime scenes.

He stated, “We discovered that the response time to crime scenes and launching attacks against acts of criminality was slow because you (the police) lack mobility. And what we just did was a 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.”

Fubara assured that his administration would continue to support the police, recognizing their importance in maintaining law and order. He added, “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.”

On his part, Disu expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his unwavering support, describing the event as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of the state.

He said, “This act of generosity not only enhances our operational capacity but also reflects your deep concern for the citizens of the state.”

Disu assured that, with the governor’s support, the police would continue to work tirelessly to combat crime and uphold the rule of law in Rivers State.

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