By Ebinum Samuel
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has described the elevation of Olatunji Disu to Inspector-General of Police as a reward for professionalism and commitment to duty during his service as Commissioner of Police in the state.
Governor Fubara stated this on Tuesday when the IGP paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of his official visit to Rivers State.
He said he was particularly happy that Disu, who left the state after serving during a very difficult and trying political period, was returning in a higher capacity.
The Governor stated that Disu served at the peak of the crisis in the state but remained balanced, professional and committed to his constitutional duties throughout.
“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.
“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 said.
He described the IGP’s visit as a homecoming, noting that once someone has served meritoriously in a place, he becomes part of that place and posterity will remember his role during his administration.
Governor Fubara noted that Disu has also assumed his current position at another difficult time for the nation, with the 2027 general elections approaching, and prayed for grace for him to surmount the challenges.
“You are taking this new office at a very difficult time too, considering the challenges we are already facing and the one we are about to enter, which is the election. I strongly believe that God will give you the grace to surmount that challenge,” he stated.
He assured the IGP of the continuous support and cooperation of the Rivers State Government in maintaining law and order and prayed that he would never end in shame but progress to greater glory.
In his response, IGP Disu said his visit was to appreciate Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their cooperation during his tenure as Commissioner of Police, adding that without the support of the state government, policing would be very difficult.
The Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, who was also in Port Harcourt for the book launch of Dame Stella Okuyiga, one of the 20 pioneer women to join the Nigeria Police Force in 1955, commended Rivers people for sustaining peace and thanked the Governor for his support to the security sector.
