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. Photo: Dennis Naku
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has credited the professionalism and dedication of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his elevation to the top position in the Nigeria Police Force, commending him for remaining neutral during the political crisis in the state.
Fubara spoke on Tuesday when Disu paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, saying the police chief’s conduct as Commissioner of Police in Rivers during the crisis demonstrated his commitment to duty.
The governor said he was particularly pleased that Disu, who left the state after serving during a difficult period, had returned in a higher capacity.
“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. Honestly, I feel very happy,” the governor stated.
Fubara continued, “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. So, I want to thank you for serving us well, and that service is what propelled you to this very exalted position that you occupy today.”
He described the police chief’s visit as a homecoming, noting that anyone who had served a place meritoriously became part of its history.
Fubara said posterity would remember Disu and his role during the governor’s administration when the history of the period was written.
The governor noted that Disu had assumed his current position at another challenging time for the country, with the 2027 general elections approaching, and prayed for divine guidance as he discharged his responsibilities.
“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,” the governor said.
He assured the IGP of the Rivers State Government’s continued support and cooperation in maintaining law and order. He also prayed that Disu “will never end in shame but will continue to progress to a greater glory.”
Earlier, Disu said his visit to Rivers State was an opportunity to thank Fubara and the people of the state for their cooperation during his tenure as commissioner of police.
He disclosed that he was also 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, whom he described as a living monument at 94.
Disu commended the people of Rivers State for allowing peace to reign and thanked Fubara for the support he received while in office, as well as the continued assistance being extended to his successor.
The IGP noted that policing would be difficult without the cooperation of the state government and the governor.
He added that other security agencies had also asked him to convey their appreciation to Fubara for his support for the security sector in Rivers State.