Be neutral in Rivers’ political crisis, Fubara urges police chief, other officers

According to Fubara, police officers are trained professionals who have a patriotic responsibility to safeguard lives and property and promote peace in the state as an integral part of their duty.

The governor insisted that it is an aberration for any of the security personnel to think that protecting any particular individual or being one-sided in political affairs to the detriment of the state amounts to professionalism.

Fubara gave the advice on Tuesday at the Sharks Football Stadium in Port Harcourt, where his administration formally handed over 100 operational vehicles to the Rivers State Police Command.

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,” the governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nelson Chukwudi, obtained by Persecondnews.

Fubara urged the police officers to look beyond the current political tensions in the state, reminding them that everything is transient and nothing lasts forever.

He implored them to conduct themselves as true professionals, utilizing their training to effectively discharge their duty of protecting the lives and property of Rivers State citizens.

The governor added: “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.”

On the donated vehicles, Fubara acknowledged the Commissioner of Police’s innovative idea to provide the Command with such operational vehicles, describing it as a notable achievement.

According to Fubara, his original intention was to provide high-end vehicles to every security agency in the state, thereby substantially enhancing their operational capabilities and performance.

He said: “But the CP advised that he did it sometime in Lagos State, that we should adopt that model by acquiring these vehicles you are seeing here: the Toyota Sienna, Camry, and Collora, and I bought into the idea.

“And why are we doing this? We discovered that the response time to crime scenes, launching attacks against acts of criminality, was slow because you (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 will continue to support the police as a state government because, as he put it, they are worthy friends to have since criminals cannot be friends to covet.

He said: “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.”

In his opening remarks, Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu described the event as a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment towards achieving the safety and security of the state.

Disu expressed gratitude to Fubara for his unwavering support of the state command, which has translated into their dedication to serving the welfare of the various communities.

He said: “I stand before you filled with gratitude as we gather to commission these 100 vehicles, a generous donation from our esteemed governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

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

“These vehicles will empower our officers, enabling them to respond more swiftly and effectively to emergencies and enhance our community policing efforts.

“With your support, sir, we are reinforcing our resolve to combat crime and uphold the rule of law.”