Rvers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has tasked the Nigerian Police to be professional in discharging their duties in the State and assures of his government support for the Inspector General of Police to succeed following his recent effort to ensure democratic institutions thrive in the State.
Gov. Fubara made this known while addressing the new Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala on a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday.
Welcoming the CP, Gov. Fubara said, “This State is a very peaceful one, when you were here as Area Commander you know how this State was. Now that you are back as CP, it is God that brought you back for you to play your role in securing lives and property of the residents of Rivers State. So perform that role professionally, we will give you all the necessary support.”
The governor noted that his government has no personal problem with the Nigerian Police Force, especially the Rivers State Command, pointing out that without any ill feelings about past issues, his administration has lived up to the responsibility of supporting the Nigerian Police which shows the understanding of the important role played by the Police.
“We might have our differences but the most important thing is that the protection of lives, and the security of the State is your responsibility so we must work together not minding issues that we have had in the past.”
He urged the Police to work professionally and not engage in any wrong acts in the interest of individuals, but work for the protection of lives and property of Rivers people, adding that they must work in a manner that they will dignify them and be at peace when they retire from the service rather than live in fear thereafter.
“Even when you are called upon you need to ask yourself whether what people are telling you to do, is it right? You will finish this work and you will live as a normal citizen after service. Don’t leave the service and start living in fears because of the atrocities that you have committed.
Gov. Fubara extended his goodwill message to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun through the Commissioner for supporting democratic cause in the State by opening the Secretariat of the 23 Local Government Areas recently not minding a few areas that witnessed arson.
“So please pass my goodwill message to him for standing firm in believing in the cause of democracy that we will continue to support him in whichever way we can to make him succeed because the success of this State is also the success of the headquarters.”
The governor expressed willingness to collaborate with the Commissioner of Police on his proposal for community policing as measures to combat and control crime rate in the State, saying that those who commit crime dwell in the communities and are known as they have relatives.
“So, I agree with you on community policing. If we can adopt that policy, it will go a long way to reduce the rate of crime. We cannot completely eliminate crime. In every developing society, crime is one of the issues, however we will support as much as we can to reduce the level of crime. Please bring forth your plans towards that as you must have a strategy to go about it and we will give you all the support.”
He decried the challenges of sea piracy on Bonny waterways charging Rivers people to also be security conscious especially at this time of hardship in order not to fall victim of criminal elements.
“So I am making this appeal to everyone, at this trying time, with hunger and what is happening we just have to be careful how we move about and conduct our activities and how we live our lives. We don’t just live a life that attracts attention. It is not what we should be doing today.”
On his part Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed Bala commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his committed support for the State Command and noted that it was important that he visited to register his presence in the State.
He noted that part of his strategies to combat crime in the State, is to synergize with sister security agencies and community policing approach drawing from his earlier experience in the State as Area Commander.
CP Bala assured of securing lives and property during and after the mber months, adding that his effort is to reduce crime in the State.
