Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has urged the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to avoid nocturnal meetings that might compromise his duties or lead to actions that conflict with the interests of the state’s citizens. This advice was given during a courtesy visit by CP Adepoju to the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Addressing the CP, Governor Fubara highlighted the importance of professionalism, impartiality, and collaboration in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
The governor stated, “You are not new to our state, having served here before, particularly in operations. This familiarity means you are well-positioned to connect with ongoing issues.
“Your primary duty now is to collaborate with the government and other security agencies to maintain law and order, protect lives, and safeguard property in Rivers State.
“Remain apolitical, as you rightly emphasised in your address. Avoid nocturnal meetings in people’s houses that lead to declarations of war on Rivers people. That is my only advice to you.”
The governor also tasked the Commissioner with tackling pressing security concerns such as cultism and kidnapping, particularly in boundary areas. He expressed the need for proactive strategies to curb these challenges, starting from schools, where cultism often takes root.
“The issues of cultism and its influence on students, which escalate into other crimes like kidnapping, must be reduced,” Fubara said, stressing the state government’s ongoing support for security agencies.
In response, CP Olugbenga Adepoju expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Rivers State, acknowledging the complex security landscape. He assured the governor of his commitment to professionalism.
Adepoju said, “We will enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen our rapid response mechanisms, and build deeper trust and collaboration with the community. Our Command will remain firmly apolitical, neutral, and impartial, dedicated solely to maintaining law and order.
“While we will engage with political leaders and stakeholders to secure resources, such engagements will be conducted with professionalism and integrity.”
Following the meeting, Governor Fubara and CP Adepoju participated in a decoration ceremony for two officers promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Police. The event, attended by the officers’ families, marked an important milestone for Anthony Peter, the governor’s Personal Security Officer, and John Wakama, Provost Marshal at the Government House.
