Governor Siminalayi Fubara has described the elevation of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to the topmost position in the Nigeria Police Force as a reward for professionalism and commitment to duty during his service as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.

Fubara stated this yesterday when the IGP paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, saying he was particularly happy that the IGP, who left Rivers State after serving during a very difficult and trying period, was returning in a higher capacity.

According to him, the IGP served at the peak of a political crisis in the state, 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. Honestly, I feel very happy.

“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,” Fubara said.

He described the visit of the police chief as a home-coming, noting that once someone has served in a place meritoriously, he becomes part of that place. According to him, posterity will always remember IGP Disu and the role he played during his administration whenever the history of that era is written.

Fubara noted that the IGP has also assumed office at another difficult time for the nation, with the 2027 general elections approaching, and prayed that God would give him the grace to surmount the challenges.

“You are taking this new office at a very difficult time too, considering the challenges we are already facing in this country and the one we are about to enter into, which is the election. I strongly believe that God will give you the grace to surmount that challenge,” he said.

He assured the IGP of the continuous support and cooperation of the Rivers State Government in maintaining law and order, and prayed that the IGP would never end in shame but continue to progress to greater glory.

Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said his visit to Rivers State was a way of expressing appreciation to Governor Fubara and the people of the state for their cooperation during his tenure as Commissioner of Police.

The police chief said he was also in Port Harcourt to attend the book launch of Dame Stella Okuyiga, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and one of the first 20 women to join the Nigeria Police Force, who he described as a living monument at 94.

He commended the people of Rivers State for allowing peace to reign and thanked Governor Fubara for the support given to him while in office and the continued assistance being rendered to his successor.

The IGP noted that without the cooperation of the state government and the governor, policing would be very difficult, adding that other sister security agencies had also asked him to convey their gratitude to the governor for his support to the security sector in Rivers State.

The Rivers State Government has distributed food and non-food relief materials to flood-affected residents of Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas as part of efforts to alleviate the hardship caused by flooding across the state.
The distribution exercise took place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder (NNS Pathfinder) Operational Base, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, where the relief materials were handed over to representatives of the two local government councils.
The Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, disclosed that the intervention was part of the state government’s deliberate efforts to support families affected by flooding.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Odu explained that the distribution was being coordinated in collaboration with local government chairmen, community leaders, Community Development Committees (CDCs) and other relevant community representatives to ensure that the most vulnerable and severely affected residents received assistance.
She acknowledged the hardship experienced by flood-affected communities and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing relief to victims across Rivers State.
The Deputy Governor, however, emphasised that the relief materials were temporary measures intended to cushion the immediate effects of the disaster while the government continued to pursue lasting solutions to the recurring flooding problem.
She urged residents to support government efforts by avoiding practices that contribute to flooding, particularly the obstruction of drainage channels and waterways.
Odu noted that while some flooding incidents were attributable to natural factors, including the state’s topography, human activities also contributed significantly to the problem.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere, his Chief of Staff, Dr. Daniel Doorka, assured residents that the relief materials would be distributed to those most in need.
Bariere expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for the gesture, describing the intervention as a demonstration of concern for the welfare of flood-affected residents of Khana.
He also commended the Deputy Governor and the Flood Prevention and Management Committee for their efforts to provide succour to communities affected by the disaster.
Similarly, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council, Hon. Confidence Yima Deko, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Dugbor Baritoesan, praised Governor Fubara and his deputy for their intervention.
Deko noted that the provision of relief materials demonstrated the government’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of flood victims and addressing the challenges confronting affected communities.
He expressed hope that the intervention would provide much-needed support to residents struggling to cope with the consequences of the recent flooding.
The Rivers State Government reiterated the importance of cooperation among government authorities, community leaders and residents in tackling flooding and mitigating its effects on vulnerable communities.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has identified responsible parenting, discipline and sound moral values at home as critical to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that policing alone cannot guarantee a safe society.

Disu stated this while serving as chief launcher at the unveiling of a book titled _Origin of Police Women in Nigeria: The Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force (1955-1996)_, authored by 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga, in Port Harcourt during the week.

The IGP said the foundation of a secure society begins at home, where children should be taught discipline, respect for the law and positive values that promote responsible citizenship.

“Parents have a significant role to play in shaping the character and conduct of their children. Failure to instil appropriate values at an early age could contribute to delinquency and some of the security challenges confronting the country,” he said.

According to him, effective policing requires the support of responsible families and law-abiding communities, as well as stronger cooperation between the police and members of the public.

Disu emphasised that the task of ensuring security should not be left to security agencies alone, urging families and communities to complement police efforts by promoting discipline, mutual respect and adherence to the law.

Beyond the security message, the IGP used the occasion to celebrate the contributions of pioneering female officers who helped shape the history and development of the Nigeria Police Force.

He described the book unveiling as more than a literary event, saying it provided an opportunity to recognise the courage, sacrifices and achievements of the early women officers who broke barriers and created opportunities for succeeding generations.

The police boss also highlighted the significance of the event coinciding with the International Week of the Girl Child, stressing that gender should not constitute a barrier to the ambitions, aspirations and opportunities available to girls.

Disu paid tribute to Dame Okuyiga, whom he identified as one of the first 20 women admitted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1955, describing her generation as trailblazers who established a place for women in an institution where opportunities were once limited.

He noted that the experiences and achievements of the pioneer officers deserved recognition, adding that documenting their contributions would help preserve an important part of the history of policing in Nigeria.

The book, which chronicles the history of women in Nigerian policing and Okuyiga’s personal journey in the force from 1955 to 1996, is expected to provide valuable historical insight into the struggles, sacrifices and progress of female police officers over the decades.

King Onunwor