Worst police operatives are better than criminals, Fubara tells new CP

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stated that the worst police operatives are still better than the best criminals.

He also said that his administration has never harboured any grudges against the Nigeria Police Force, despite some disconcerting ploys by certain officers to undermine governance in the state.

Fubara stated this when he hosted the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, who was deployed two weeks ago to the Rivers State Command, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The governor stated that despite the unprofessionalism displayed by some police officers, his administration remains a dependable partner of the police in the quest to ensure the security of lives and property for all Rivers people.

He stressed that the police must continue to collaborate with other agencies and the government to persistently combat all forms of crime.

He said, “I can say that we are welcoming you with open arms, that is the truth. We don’t have any option. The worst of you, the worst police officer, is still better than the best criminal.

“So, we need to embrace you in whatever way, because you are our friends. We might have our differences, but the most important thing is that the protection of lives and the security of the state are your responsibilities.

“We must work together, regardless of the issues we have had in the past.

However, I need to set the record straight: This government, as it stands today, has no personal problem with the Nigeria Police Force, especially the Rivers State Command.

“I can boldly say here that, notwithstanding whatever has happened in the past, we have fulfilled our responsibilities in supporting the Nigeria Police. We understand the important role that the police play in our state.”

Fubara assured that his administration will continue to provide the necessary support to enable the police to succeed in their crime-fighting efforts.

He added, “I keep saying at every opportunity I have, I will be the last person to call any police officer and ask them to do something wrong. Even when you are called upon, you need to ask yourself, ask your conscience, whether what you are being told to do is right.

“You will finish this work and live your normal life after service. The way you work will determine how you will live when you leave the service. Don’t leave the service and start living in fear because of the wrongs you have committed.”

While stressing the need for professionalism among the police, Fubara noted that with the prevailing peace in the state, there is less demand for police intervention.

He insisted, “This state is a very peaceful place. When you were here as Area Commander, you know how the state was then.

“Now that you are back as the CP, it is God who has brought you back so that you can play your role in securing the lives and property of Rivers State residents.

“So, perform that role professionally. We will give you all the necessary support.”

Fubara urged the police to flush criminals out of their hideouts, adding that if community policing is the right approach, it should be effectively deployed to minimise crime.

“We cannot completely eliminate crime; that is the truth. In every developing society, crime is one of the issues, but we can do our best to reduce the level of crime, and we will support you.

“Let us know your plans towards that because you must have a strategy in place. We will provide you with all the necessary support,” the governor said.

In his address, the police chief stated that he resumed duties two weeks ago and has been attending to other assignments from headquarters while also familiarising himself with the workings of the formations under his leadership.

CP Bala said he undertook the courtesy visit as a peace-seeking police officer to formally report to the governor and seek his support in the collective effort to keep Rivers safe and peaceful for all residents.