Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the elevation of Olatunji Disu to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is a reward for the professionalism and commitment to duty he displayed as Commissioner of Police in the state.
Fubara made the remark on Tuesday when the IGP paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of his official visit to Rivers State.
The governor said he was happy that Disu, who left the state during a difficult political period, was returning in a higher capacity. According to him, Disu served at the peak of the state’s crisis but remained balanced, professional and committed to his constitutional duties.
“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,” Fubara said.
“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 added.
Describing the visit as a homecoming, the governor noted that anyone who serves meritoriously in a place becomes part of it, and that posterity will remember Disu’s role during his administration.
Fubara also observed that the IGP had assumed office at another trying time for the country, with the 2027 general elections approaching. He prayed for grace for Disu to overcome the challenges ahead.
“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 said.
The governor assured the IGP of the continued support and cooperation of the Rivers State Government in maintaining law and order, and prayed that he would never end in shame but rise to greater heights.
Responding, Disu said his visit was to appreciate Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their cooperation during his tenure as Commissioner of Police. He added that without the support of the state government, policing would be very difficult.
The IGP, who was also in Port Harcourt for the book launch of Dame Stella Okuyiga, one of the 20 pioneer women who joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1955, commended Rivers people for sustaining peace and thanked the governor for his support to the security sector.
