Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has declared that the state will not provide a safe haven for criminals or those seeking to arm individuals for political violence. He made this statement while receiving the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Erale, at Government House in Asaba. Oborevwori emphasized that security is a central pillar of his administration's MORE Agenda.
Oborevwori stressed that peace and safety are essential for development, investment, economic growth, and the wellbeing of citizens. He stated that his administration has adopted a firm approach to crime-fighting, regardless of offenders' status or political affiliation. The governor made it clear that nobody would be shielded from prosecution for committing a crime, saying, "If you are my brother, if you are my friend, if you commit, you go for it. Nobody is above the law."
The governor urged CP Erale to sustain an intelligence-led, coordinated approach to policing, with stronger surveillance of communities, highways, and waterways, particularly in riverine areas. He called for deeper collaboration between the police, other security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders, vigilante groups, and other stakeholders. Oborevwori believes that community-based policing will help strengthen trust and improve intelligence gathering.
Oborevwori also warned against the proliferation of firearms, particularly the use of rifles by civilians. He said security agencies must intensify efforts to recover illegal arms and arrest persons found in possession of unauthorized weapons. The governor assured CP Erale that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support to sustain the prevailing peace in Delta, even during the electioneering period.
In earlier remarks, CP Erale assured the governor and people of Delta State of his commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state. He pledged to strengthen security through professionalism, discipline, and intelligence-led policing. Erale said the visit was to formally introduce himself and his team to the governor and reaffirm the Command's commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
CP Erale also acknowledged the governor's support for security and conveyed the goodwill of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu. He said professionalism and discipline would remain priorities under his leadership, adding that the Command would rejig its security architecture through intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-centered policing.
The state government will continue to support the police and other security agencies through the Delta State Security Trust Fund, including providing operational vehicles and other logistics. This support aims to enhance the state's security infrastructure and ensure a safe environment for its citizens.
Key points
- Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori warns against crime and political violence in the state.
- The governor assures of support for police and other security agencies to maintain peace and security.
- CP Samuel Erale pledges to strengthen security through professionalism, discipline, and intelligence-led policing.
