The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has assured residents of the command’s commitment to upholding human rights and delivering people-oriented policing, stressing that officers under his watch would continue to operate within the confines of the law while strengthening community relations.
Adepoju gave the assurance in Port Harcourt during a sensitisation walk organised by the Rivers State Police Command as part of activities marking the National Police Day, noting that the exercise was aimed at fostering trust and enhancing cooperation between the police and the public.
He expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a special day for the Nigeria Police to celebrate its achievements, describing the gesture as a morale booster that would spur officers to greater efficiency and professionalism in service delivery.
The CP also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for initiating a week-long celebration, which he said had provided an opportunity for the police to reconnect with citizens and showcase reforms within the force.
According to him, the large turnout of residents, stakeholders and members of the business community during the exercise was a clear indication of the growing confidence reposed in the police by the people of Rivers State. He reiterated that the command would sustain its sensitisation efforts, adding that officers had been adequately briefed to respect the rights of citizens, maintain professionalism and work closely with the media to promote transparency and accountability.
Adepoju disclosed that the week-long activities commenced with environmental sanitation across commands and divisions, alongside public enlightenment campaigns targeted at strengthening police-community relations. He further revealed that the command had also embarked on free medical outreach for both officers and members of the public, as part of its corporate social responsibility and commitment to public welfare.
The CP added that financial support would be extended to widows of fallen police officers through the presentation of cheques, in line with directives from the police high command, to cushion the effects of their loss.
Speaking, Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in the state, Voke Emore, said the initiative was geared towards rebuilding trust between the police and the communities they serve.
Emore noted that the renewed synergy between the police and residents in Rivers State had created an enabling environment for effective policing, urging the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful information. Also, a representative of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs Chima Nnaji, said the group participated in the walk to show solidarity with their spouses, as the event drew attendance from senior police officers, members of the PCRC and stakeholders from various sectors of the state.
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