Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his professionalism and commitment to duty while serving as Commissioner of Police in the state during a period of political crisis.
Fubara gave the commendation at Government House, Port Harcourt, when Disu, accompanied by senior police officers and heads of sister security agencies, paid him a courtesy visit.
The Governor expressed delight at Disu’s elevation to the position of Inspector-General of Police, recalling how he discharged his responsibilities despite the political tension in the state at the time.
“While he was here as a Commissioner, he was here at the peak of 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 the areas,” Fubara said.
L-R Gov. Sim Fubara alongside IGP Olatunji Disu
He described Disu’s return to Rivers State in his new capacity as a moment of pride, noting that his performance during a difficult period demonstrated his commitment to professional policing.
“I feel very happy that somebody who left here in a very difficult situation, in a very trying time, did wonderfully well, is here today visiting us in a higher capacity,” the Governor added.
Fubara also wished the IGP success in tackling the country’s security challenges, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
He expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead and prayed for greater success in his new position.
Earlier, Disu said his visit to Rivers State was partly to attend the launch of a book by retired police officer Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with the state, where he previously served as Commissioner of Police.
He described Okuyiga as an important figure in the history of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that she was among the first 20 women recruited into the Force.
“I’m here in this wonderful state, this wonderful city today to attend the launching of a book presented by Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, who was among the first set of 20 women to join the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.
Mama Stelle Okuyiga, IGP Olatunji Disu & CP Olugbenga Adepoju
The IGP expressed appreciation to Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their cooperation and support during his previous assignment, stressing that collaboration between the police and the state government was essential for effective policing.
“Without the cooperation of the state government, without the cooperation of the Governor, the job of policing will be very, very difficult,” Disu said.
He also acknowledged the support extended to the police and other security agencies, noting that such cooperation had contributed to maintaining peace and security in the state.
Disu’s visit followed the public presentation of Okuyiga’s memoir, which documents her career as one of Nigeria’s pioneering female police officers and her experiences in the Force.
The book, titled The Origin of Police Women in Nigeria: The Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force, chronicles the contributions of early female officers to the development of policing in Nigeria.
During his visit, the IGP also charged officers of the Rivers State Police Command to strengthen security, uphold professionalism and improve engagement with residents to support economic activities.
He urged officers to adhere to established procedures, treat members of the public with respect and work closely with stakeholders to build public confidence in the police.
The courtesy visit was attended by senior police officers, including the Commissioners of Police in Rivers and Bayelsa states and the Eastern Port Command, alongside heads of other security agencies.
