- Commissioner of Police vows to restore peace in troubled LGAs
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has vowed to take decisive action against those responsible for setting ablaze three local government secretariats in the state on Monday.
He pledged that the incident, unlike previous cases, will not be ignored, as his administration will collaborate with security agencies to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.
Governor Fubara stated this during the swearing-in ceremony of four new commissioners at the Executive Chambers of the government house in Port Harcourt.
He reminded the audience that he had previously warned the new council chairmen of possible attacks, and commended his supporters for maintaining calm during the violent confrontations.
Expressing regret that the recent political crisis has overshadowed his administration’s achievements, the governor announced plans to dedicate a day later this month to highlight these accomplishments.
In his address to the newly appointed commissioners, Governor Fubara urged them to work closely with him to advance the progress of the country amidst ongoing socio-economic challenges.
He stressed the need for increased oil production by tackling the issue of crude oil theft.
On the matter of appointing additional commissioners, Fubara explained that his selections were carefully made to ensure loyalty and dedication, while also maintaining political balance in various regions.
The newly appointed commissioners include Otamiri John-Ngubo, the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman and APP chairmanship candidate for Etche, who, unlike his counterparts in other LGAs, was unsuccessful in securing the seat.
Also appointed was Evans Bipi, the former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogu/Bolo and a prominent figure in the 2013 brawl in the Rivers State House of Assembly during his time as a lawmaker.
Joining them are former state lawmakers, Benibo Alabraba and Israel Lebura-Ngbuelu.
Fubara’s determination to bring the arsonists to book followed attacks on two local government secretariats on Monday.
Both Ikwere and Emohua Local Government Council secretariats were set ablaze on Monday following the withdrawal of the police officers securing the 23 council secretariats by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The situation has since degenerated into an uproar, blame and counter-blame, with President Bola Tinubu later ordering the Nigerian Police Force to ensure security is provided for the 23 LG secretariats.
Commissioner of Police vows to restore peace in troubled LGAs
Meanwhile, the newly deployed Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, has vowed to ‘swiftly’ restore normalcy in the local government areas of the state where arson and violence broke out on Monday.
Mohammed promised to work with state and non-state actors, as well as all critical stakeholders, to address the general post-election violence across the state.
Mohammed made this statement during his maiden media briefing shortly after taking over from his predecessor, Olatunji Disu, at the Command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The newly deployed CP said he has zero tolerance for corruption, stating that any officer found wanting would be punished appropriately. He described the security concerns in the state as critical and unique.
He stated, “As I assume duty, I wish to make it abundantly clear that my priority is to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all residents and visitors in Rivers State.
“I am aware that Rivers State, being one of the nation’s economic hubs, faces unique security challenges.
“From incidents of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and oil bunkering to communal clashes and violent crimes, and more recently, crises emanating from political interests, the complexities of maintaining law and order here require a proactive and strategic approach.”
He said the command under his watch will be committed to transparency and will welcome constructive criticism, stating, “A society thrives when there is trust between its institutions and its people, and the press is key to building and maintaining that trust.”
Mohammed said, “It is with a sense of duty and responsibility that I take on this new role, knowing the unique challenges and security concerns that Rivers State faces. My priority task is to swiftly restore calm in the respective Local Government Areas where pockets of violence and arson attacks have been present.”
“My commitment is to work collaboratively with state and non-state actors, as well as all critical stakeholders, to address these challenges head-on. Upon assuming this office, I have reviewed the current security situation in the state, and I would like to outline my vision and strategies for ensuring the safety and security of our communities and people.
“In my leadership, I will not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct, or abuse of power by police officers. Those found engaging in unprofessional behaviour will face the full wrath of the law. We are here to uphold justice, not to be agents of oppression. Our internal monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure discipline within the ranks. Rivers State has been plagued by issues of cultism, which often lead to violent clashes and needless loss of lives.
“We will intensify our efforts in curbing cult-related activities and work with youth groups, religious bodies, and civil society organisations to promote peace, education, and alternative livelihoods for the youth.”
When asked if there have been any arrests in connection with the post-election violence that rocked the state and the casualty figures recorded, he stated that upon resuming, he would liaise with his management team and would hit the ground running.
