Fubara Commends IGP Disu’s Professionalism During Rivers Political Crisis
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, for his professionalism, commitment to duty and ability to maintain balance while serving as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State during a period of intense political crisis.
Governor Fubara gave the commendation at Government House, Port Harcourt, when the IGP, accompanied by senior police officers, including the Commissioners of Police for Rivers and Bayelsa states and the Eastern Port Command, as well as heads of sister security agencies, paid him a courtesy visit.
The Governor expressed delight at Disu’s elevation to the position of Inspector-General of Police, recalling that he demonstrated dedication and professionalism despite the challenging circumstances that characterised his tenure in the state.
According to Fubara, Disu discharged his responsibilities diligently while making efforts to balance competing interests during the political crisis.
“While he was here as a Commissioner, he was here at the peak of 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 the areas,” the Governor said.
Fubara noted that Disu’s conduct during his previous assignment in Rivers State reflected the importance of professionalism in policing, adding that his return to the state in a higher capacity was a source of pride.
“I feel very happy that somebody who left here in a very difficult situation, in a very trying time, did wonderfully well, is here today visiting us in a higher capacity,” he stated.
The Governor also expressed confidence in the IGP’s ability to address the country's security challenges, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He wished Disu success in his new position and prayed for greater accomplishments in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Earlier, the IGP explained that his visit to Rivers State was partly to attend the book launch of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga, formerly known as Opuiyo, and to reconnect with the state where he previously served as Commissioner of Police.
Disu described the retired senior police officer as a significant figure in the history of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that she was among the first 20 women to join the organisation.
“I'm here in this wonderful state, this wonderful city today to attend the launching of a book presented by Dame Stella Obuoforibo Okuyiga, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, who was among the first set of 20 women to join the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.
The IGP also expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their cooperation and support during his previous assignment, stressing that collaboration between the police, the state government and other security agencies remained essential to effective policing.
He maintained that the success of security operations depended largely on the willingness of relevant authorities to work together in addressing security concerns and maintaining public order.
“Without the cooperation of the state government, without the cooperation of the Governor, the job of policing will be very, very difficult,” Disu said.
He further acknowledged the support extended to the police and other security agencies in Rivers State, noting that such assistance had contributed to efforts to sustain peace and security in the state.
Meanwhile, the visit coincided with activities surrounding the publication of Dame Okuyiga’s memoir, titled Origin of Policewomen in Nigeria and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force (1955–1986), which was officially published in September 2026.
The memoir documents her pioneering career as one of Nigeria’s first 20 female police officers and offers an account of her experiences and contributions to the development of women’s participation in the Nigeria Police Force.
The publication highlights an important chapter in the history of policing in Nigeria, particularly the role of women in the evolution of the country's law enforcement institution.
