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.

Delta State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Wilson Asekutu, has congratulated Dr. Eric Omare on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Asekutu, in a congratulatory message issued on behalf of his family and associates, described Omare’s elevation as a well-deserved recognition of his professional excellence, perseverance and commitment to the advancement of justice and the legal profession.
He said the honour reflected Omare’s doggedness, discipline, sincerity of purpose and unwavering belief in hard work, noting that his professional journey exemplified the virtues required to excel in the legal profession. The TUC chairman also commended Omare for his commitment to effective representation, grassroots engagement and the promotion of the interests of ordinary citizens.
According to him, Omare’s willingness to connect with the grassroots, listen to the concerns of the people and support to causes that advance fairness and progress have distinguished him as a principled and dependable personality.
Asekutu said the new rank was not only a personal achievement for Omare, but also a source of inspiration to young lawyers, aspiring leaders and members of his community.
He expressed confidence that the recognition would further strengthen Omare’s commitment to professional integrity, the defence of justice and effective representation.
While wishing the new SAN greater accomplishments in his legal career, Asekutu said the elevation would open new opportunities for him to make meaningful contributions to society and bring further honour to his name and community.
He urged Omare to sustain the values of diligence, integrity and service that had distinguished his professional journey, adding that his elevation was a fitting reward for a dogged legal practitioner and a man committed to the welfare of the people.

Albert Ograka,
Asaba

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has stated his administration’s commitment to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to sustain the prevailing peace and protect critical national assets in the State.
He stated this on Monday in Government House, Yenagoa, when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Nigerian Army 6 Division, Major General Everest Okoro, and other senior military officers who paid him a courtesy visit after their official posting to the State.
Other military officers that visited the Governor included: the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim; Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo; and the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Michael Onyebashi.
The Governor applauded the military for their collaboration with the State Government, noting that the synergy had contributed to the existing peace and stability in Bayelsa.
“We appreciate you and commend the synergy you have established with other security agencies. The presence of personnel from various paramilitary and security agencies, alongside the military, demonstrates the importance of collaboration.
“By working together, you can provide sound advice to both the Federal Government and State Governments on security matters”, he said.
The State Chief Executive, however, appealed to the military authorities to reconsider Bayelsa State’s alignment from the 6th 83 Division, which now has Delta and Bayelsa headquartered in Benin, Edo State.

Division, headquartered in Port Harcourt, to the 83 Division, which now has Delta and Bayelsa headquartered in Benin, Edo State.
He stressed that the State’s proximity to Port Harcourt would make coordination and logistics easier, welcoming the proposed establishment of additional Army formations in Oporoma (Southern Ijaw Local Government Area), Ekeremor (Ekeremor LGA), and Nembe (Nembe LGA), as well as an artillery regiment and a Forward Operating Base in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA of the State.
He described proposed new formations as a welcome development, saying it will boost security across the State’s three senatorial districts.
While addressing the FOC CNC, Rear Admiral Ibrahim, the Bayelsa Governor noted that the presence of the Navy in Brass would not only enhance security in the State, but also in the country, given the strategic importance of Bayelsa in oil and gas and maritime activities.
According to Diri, Bayelsa is one of the safest States in Nigeria, with no reported cases of sea piracy in several security council meetings, a feat attributed largely to the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Navy.
Responding to the FOC’s requests, Diri directed the Ministry of Lands and Survey to provide land in Brass for the construction al jetty, to enable relocation of five warships to Bayelsa, as the move would assist in protecting offshore resources and ensure prompt response to security threats of a naval jetty, to enable relocation of five warships to Bayelsa, as the move would assist in protecting offshore resources and ensure prompt response to security threats.
Also, the Governor directed the same ministry to immediately make land available for the construction of the Nigerian Navy Referral Hospital at Elebele.
While reacting to remarks of the Commander, OPDS, Rear Admiral Oladipo, he described the JTF as a stabilising task force that has helped to achieve lasting security and increased oil production in the Niger Delta region.
“The history of the Joint Task Force is well known to us. For us in Bayelsa, it was a stabilising task force that came in when security and oil production were under threat. Today, the story is different. Oil production, which was declining, has started increasing, and you are doing well by working with the people and the government.
“Bayelsa is the nerve centre of the oil and gas industry, where oil was first struck in commercial quantity and made Nigeria an oil-producing country. It is no coincidence that the JTF headquarters is located here”, he added.
Also, responding to the NAF AOC Mobility Command, AVM Michael Onyebashi, Diri promised to look into the command’s requests for more operational vehicles, furnishing of its primary schools among others with a view to addressing them.
In separate remarks, Major Gen. Everest Okoro thanked the communities.

Governor for supporting the Army, particularly the 16 Brigade, and attributed its operational successes to cooperation among the military, other security agencies, the State Government and local communities.
The GOC pledged to sustain the existing partnership with the government, traditional institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders to maintain peace and protect critical national assets.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, commended the Governor for the monumental development achieved under his administration.
The Naval Chief, who disclosed that he had 11 warships under his command, said the ships were currently stationed in Delta and Rivers states because Bayelsa does not have a port to host them.
Also, the JTF Commander, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, attributed increased oil production in the Niger Delta to improved security, noting that Nigeria exceeded its OPEC quota for the first time in over five years.
He also revealed that the command’s mediation centre resolved over 300 cases in the preceding month, urging oil operators and host communities to seek peaceful resolutions rather than disrupt production.
Oladipo projected that national oil production could surpass three million barrels per day by next year.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa