New CP pledges to end police brutality, rights abuses in Rivers

Newly deployed Commissioner of Police (CP) to Rivers State, Eboka Friday, yesterday, pledged to end police brutality and human rights abuses in the state.

He gave the charge during his first media briefing in Port Harcourt, while responding to reports of human rights violations in Rivers State which had resulted to the killing of several persons due to their refusal to give N100 bribe to policemen or through accidental discharge.

He cautioned officers of the command against corrupt practices, maintaining that the police authority would stop at nothing to sanction and prosecute erring officials.

Eboka charged officers to show professionalism while discharging their duties, adding: “My tenure will ensure respect for human rights, we shall be polite and civil to members of the public even when enforcing laws. No accidental discharges in my time.”

He advised members of the public to report any erring officer to the command, stressing: “In line with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) directives, my administration will not tolerate corrupt officers. Heads of departments, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) are to closely monitor their men, while a monitoring team will go round to apprehend erring officers.

“Under my watch, no citizen shall be detained unjustly. Arrest by proxy is unlawful and will not be tolerated. No person shall be arrested for someone else’s offence.”

The CP insisted that defaulters would be charged appropriately, while their DPOs will be queried, maintaining that Force order 237 would remain a subject of lecture on a weekly basis.

He also vowed to make the state uncomfortable for criminals, even as he declared war against crime and criminality.

“Rivers State is strategic to the country’s economic fortunes. It, therefore, follows that so much needs to be done to curb and minimize security challenges arising there from, given the peculiar socio-economic environment, volume of human traffic, and foreigners in the state.

“My primary assignment is to secure lives and property of Rivers people with integrity, politeness and civility. I promise to do my best to justify the confidence reposed in me.

“I am here to tackle crime and criminality headlong, in line with the vision and mission of the IGP in accordance with international best practices, rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights,” he added.

He assured of the command’s commitment to speedy release of the Okama of Ikuru town and Chairman, Andoni Traditional Rulers Council, King Aaron Ikuru, a lecturer with the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Jones Ayuwo and five other persons kidnapped at Bonny Council.