The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned officers of the Nigeria Police Force against engaging in partisan political activities, insisting that the Force would remain neutral before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The IGP gave the directive during a strategic meeting with senior police officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors- General of Police and Commissioners of Police, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, last Wednesday.

He told the officers across the country to maintain regular interactions with journalists as part of efforts to tackle misinformation and fake news ahead of the elections.

He said sustained engagement with the media would strengthen public communication, promote transparency and help curb the spread of misleading information capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

Disu assured that the Nigeria Police Force would not allow itself to be used by politicians or political parties, saying the Force remains committed to providing a level playing field for all participants in the electoral process.

“We will remain neutral, ensure the safety and security of the electorate before, during and after the election,” he said.

The Police Chief warned that any police officer found participating in partisan politics would face appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences.

On the protection of citizens’ rights, the IGP charged Commissioners of Police to ensure that all reported cases of human rights violations are properly documented, investigated and resolved within a reasonable period.

He also directed police commands and zones across the country to establish accessible and visible Complaints Response Units to enable members of the public report alleged abuses and obtain appropriate redress.

Disu emphasized the need to improve the welfare of police personnel, directing Commissioners of Police to ensure prompt payment of death benefits to families of fallen officers and personally visit such families to demonstrate the Force’s support and solidarity.

He highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the Force but maintained that more efforts were required to address prevailing security challenges, particularly banditry in parts of the country.

He also cautioned Commissioners of Police against travelling outside their respective states without obtaining express approval from his office.

The IGP thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to strengthening the capacity of the police to combat crime and maintain national security.

King Onunwor

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as a strategic tool for developing human capital and preparing young people for the demands of an evolving global economy.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, stated this in Port Harcourt when members of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State Branch, paid him a courtesy visit.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi.

Wokoma said that STEM education goes beyond classroom instruction, saying it equips young people with critical thinking, problem-solving and innovative skills needed to thrive in our modern world.

According to him, Governor Siminalayi Fubara recognises that the future of economic development depends largely on quality education, scientific discoveries, technological innovation and digital transformation.

He assured that the state government was committed to creating an enabling environment for young people to acquire relevant scientific and technological knowledge that will prepare them for emerging opportunities.

“Rivers State Government believes that empowering its young population with scientific and technological knowledge is essential to preparing them for future opportunities and positioning the state as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial development,” he said.

The SSG added that sustained investment in STEM education would strengthen the state’s human capital base and equip the next generation with the competencies required to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and technological advancement.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peter Nwagor, commended STAN, Rivers State Branch, for its dedication to nurturing young minds, promoting innovation and encouraging academic excellence.

Nwagor urged the association to sustain its contributions to science education and assured its members of the government’s support.

Earlier, the Acting Chairman of STAN, Rivers State Branch, Dr Ibifiri Pollyn, expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued partnership with science teachers.

She said the collaboration had contributed to efforts to build a more productive, responsible and self-reliant teaching workforce while improving learning outcomes across schools in the state.

Pollyn presented two students from Government Secondary School, Orominike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, who emerged third-place winners at the National Science Project Exhibition.

She also presented Dr Gladys Chikere, a science teacher, who secured second position in the teachers’ category at the 2026 STAN National Annual Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Describing the achievements as a testament to the potential of Rivers State students and teachers, Pollyn said their performance brought honour to the state.

“Their achievements are a source of pride to Rivers State Government and a demonstration of the potential of our science teachers and learners,” she said.

The Rivers State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed 189 officers, 316 marshals and 470 Special Marshals to critical corridors in the state with a view to checking road accidents  in the ember months.

The FRSC Sector Commander, Francis Ajatta, who disclosed this recently, said his office has also deployed 10 patrol vehicles and a towing van to monitor vehicular activities on the road.

He listed the crash prone areas to include the East-West Road and the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway among roads to be monitored.

Ajatta also said his men would be deployed to traffic flash points across the city to ensure traffic flow during the period.

The Corps Commander listed the traffic flash points as Mbiama market, Oyigbo Market, Rumuokoro bridge, Eliozu bridge and Eleme Trailer park.

Other flash points include Rumuola bridge, Ben Jack junction, Fruit Garden market junction, Waterlines bridge and junction as well as Obiri Ikwerre bridge.

“Our men will be on the road beyond normal closing time. We will be at motor parks by 5am with megaphone,” he said.

Ajatta warned that the corps would arrest and prosecute traffic offenders, adding that collaboration with the Army, Navy,  Police, NEMA and the Ministry of Health has been strengthened for prompt rescue.

He also warned drivers, passengers and pedestrians to avoid overloading, overspeeding and mixed-loading, noting that the practice has become a major killer on highways.

“Overloading and mixed-loading is a dangerous trend to avoid. If your vehicle is meant for five, don’t carry eight. If a crash occurs with overloaded vehicle, fatality will double. You are sitting on a death trap,” he warned.

The Sector Commander also urged commercial drivers to install functional speed limiting device or risk impoundment, saying over-speeding, drunk-driving and night driving will not be tolerated.

“Stop mixed-loading of humans, animals and goods. Ensure your vehicles meet minimum safety standards.

“There is an alarm that triggers once you exceed 80km/h. Some devices will cut fuel supply. If you don’t have it, we will stop you,” he said.

Ajatta also advised passengers against encouraging overloading, stressing that the situation where women will want to carry two children on their laps in the vehicle will no longer be tolerated.

“That woman that God has blessed with four kids wants to carry two on her lap in one seat. That seat for four now carries seven going to village, don’t allow it. Your life is involved,” he said.

He urged passengers to speak up, report reckless driving and always wear seatbelts.

The Corps Commander also cautioned pedestrians, bike riders and cyclists whom he described as vulnerable road users, to be extra careful, avoid walking on expressways and use pedestrian bridges.

Samuel Christopher, Virine Stephen, Emelue Goodness & Samuel Otuogbai