Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to maintain impartiality in the state’s political affairs, stressing the importance of professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.
Speaking at a ceremony in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, where he donated vehicles to the police, Governor Fubara underscored the critical role that law enforcement plays in ensuring peace and stability in Rivers State, while urging officers to steer clear of political biases.
Governor Fubara emphasised that police officers should not be used as tools for political agendas and reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the independence of the police force.He highlighted the need for officers to remain neutral in political matters, warning that partisanship could damage both their personal and professional reputations. “I need to say this, so that you will understand.
When you (Disu) came into Rivers State, and I had my encounter with you, I requested only one thing: that I will never ask you to do what is wrong, so do what is right. Protect the lives and property of Rivers people. Don’t be partisan,” the governor stated.
Governor Fubara’s remarks come at a time when political tensions in Rivers State have been heightened, and the conduct of law enforcement is under increased scrutiny.
He urged the police officers to focus on their duties with integrity and to be guided by the principles of fairness and justice.
The governor noted that while political dynamics may shift over time, the legacy left by officers’ actions would endure, impacting not only their reputations but also the lives of their families.
Fubara went on to caution against the long-term consequences of partisanship, drawing attention to past instances where officers who engaged in biased actions faced negative repercussions. “We have seen those people that were partisan; how they ended.
And I am saying it here, to every one of you that is an officer that is being partisan: you will see how you will end. So, work in such a way that when your name is mentioned in this State, or your children come to this State, you won’t be scared. This is important,” he advised.
The governor’s appeal to the police is rooted in the broader goal of fostering a secure and just environment in Rivers State.
He stressed that the role of the police is not to protect individuals or to be one-sided in political disputes, but rather to safeguard the lives and property of all residents, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“It is not to protect any individual. It is not to be one-sided in the political affairs of the State. Politics will come and it will go. The enmity you are creating, for those of you that are partisan, will live with you forever,” Fubara warned.
Governor Fubara’s message was clear: the police must uphold their professional ethics and focus on their core mandate of public service.
He urged officers to be fair and to resist any pressures to act in ways that could compromise their integrity or the trust placed in them by the public. “My appeal is: stand on the ethics of your profession, protect lives and property of Rivers people. Be fair to all,” he concluded.
In response, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his support and described the vehicle donation as a significant step towards enhancing the operational capacity of the police in the state.
Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the police force to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Rivers State.
The donation of vehicles is part of a broader initiative by the Fubara administration to strengthen security in the state.
By equipping the police with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively, the governor aims to create a safer environment for the people of Rivers State.
This initiative aligns with his broader vision of governance, which prioritises security, justice, and development.
Governor Fubara’s call for police neutrality also reflects his administration’s stance on ethical governance and accountability.
By emphasising the importance of non-partisanship, the governor is seeking to build public confidence in the state’s institutions and to ensure that law enforcement remains a pillar of stability rather than a player in the state’s political arena.
As Rivers State navigates its complex political landscape, the conduct of the police will be crucial in maintaining public order and upholding democratic values.
Governor Fubara’s remarks serve as a reminder that the police, as custodians of the law, have a duty to serve all citizens equally, without fear or favour.
His administration’s support for the police, coupled with a firm stance on ethical conduct, sets a precedent for how law enforcement can contribute positively to the state’s future.
In conclusion, Governor Fubara’s address to the Nigeria Police Force is not just a call for neutrality, but a broader appeal for integrity, accountability, and a commitment to public service.
By urging officers to focus on their professional duties and to leave a positive legacy, the governor is reinforcing the fundamental principles of justice and fairness that are essential to the well-being of Rivers State.
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