Rivers Police Set To Establish Human Rights Desks

As part of measures to address cases of human rights abuse by men of the police, new Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Tunde Ogunsakin says a human rights desk will be established in all divisional stations in the state.
He made the revelation while answering questions during a media interactive forum organised by Silverbird Communications at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
Ogunsakin said, “we are going to educate officers that human rights is very important”, adding that all suspects are supposed to be treated according to the provisions of the Constitution.
He said all police divisions and stations will have human rights desks, to ensure that the police treat suspects in civil manner as possible.
The commissioner reiterated that he will ensure that the police remains neutral in order to carry out its role without bias, adding “we want to be fair and professional as much as the law will allow us”.
Explaining why the ban on political rally is still in force, Ogunsakin said the status quo will remain till ban on campaigns were lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that any political group will have to obtain permission before carrying out any activity.
He warned criminal elements in the state to leave the state or face the full wrath of the law, further stating that discipline will be enforced among the rank and file as a way to raise the profile of the police in the state.
Meanwhile, Ogunsakin has hinted of plans by the state police to collaborate with the Rivers State Traffic Management Agency (TMARIV) to help reduce and enforce traffic regulations in the state.
The police commissioner disclosed that a task force will be set up to liaise with TMARIV, saying, “we are going to see how we are going to work with TMARIV. We must work together to ease traffic flow in this state”.
He stated that the task force will be made up of reputable policemen; further noting that ban on tainted glass on vehicles is still in force.