Rivers Govt Not Against Police, Says Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently emphasized his administration’s commitment to combatting cultism and other societal vices within educational institutions. In an interview at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the governor addressed his relationship with the Nigeria Police Force, expressing no grievances despite reports of unprofessional behavior from some officers.

“Let me make it clear: This government has no personal issues with the Nigeria Police Force, especially not with the Rivers State Command,” he stated. “Despite any past misunderstandings, we have consistently supported the police in their vital role here. The worst of the police is still better than the best of criminals, and that’s why we need to collaborate closely.”

Governor Fubara welcomed the new Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Bala, with optimism, underscoring the importance of partnership between the police, other agencies, and the government in fighting crime. He emphasized the need for professionalism among police officers and urged them not to operate in a manner that undermines the law or public safety.

“Indeed, with the current peace in the state, we have fewer challenges for law enforcement,” Fubara remarked. He encouraged the police to adopt community policing strategies to effectively reduce crime. “If community policing is the answer, let’s implement it effectively to drive crime rates down.”

On a broader societal issue, the governor expressed concern over what he perceives as a growing trend of celebrating mediocrity. “Why do we tolerate a culture where excellence is overlooked in favor of rewarding the wrong values?” he questioned. This sentiment was shared during the inauguration of the Governing Council of the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement.

Fubara urged those in leadership positions, particularly within his administration, to actively work to reverse this trend and promote a culture that values excellence. “We need to recommit ourselves to providing the very best for our institutions. Too often, it’s those who engage in cultism or other problematic behaviors who are celebrated in our society,” he pointed out. “We must shift our focus back to recognizing and rewarding good character and genuine achievements.”