Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has warned that his administration will not tolerate crime, criminality or political violence in the state, declaring that anyone who violates the law will face the full weight of the law, regardless of status or political affiliation.
Oborevwori gave the warning on Wednesday when he received the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Erale, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Asaba.
The governor said security remained a major pillar of his administration’s MORE Agenda, stressing that a peaceful and secure environment was critical to development, investment, economic growth and the wellbeing of residents.
He said his administration had adopted a firm and non-discriminatory approach to tackling crime, assuring that no individual would be protected from prosecution because of political connections or personal relationships.
“If you are my brother, if you are my friend, if you commit, you go for it. Nobody is above the law,” the governor said.
Oborevwori urged the new police commissioner to strengthen intelligence-led policing and improve surveillance across communities, highways and waterways, particularly in the riverine areas of the state.
He also called for closer cooperation among the police, other security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders, vigilante groups and other stakeholders, noting that stronger community-based policing would enhance public trust and improve intelligence gathering.
The governor expressed concern over the proliferation of firearms and warned against the use of rifles by civilians. He directed security agencies to intensify efforts to recover illegal arms and apprehend persons found in possession of unauthorised weapons.
He further disclosed that the state government would continue to support the police and other security agencies through the Delta State Security Trust Fund, including the provision of operational vehicles and other logistics required to effectively carry out their duties.
Oborevwori assured the police commissioner of the state government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly as the state enters the electioneering period.
Earlier, CP Erale assured the governor and people of Delta State of his commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
The new police commissioner said professionalism and discipline would guide his administration of the command, promising to ensure that the same values were reflected across the police force in the state.
He said he would rejig the existing security architecture and build on the achievements of his predecessors in order to further strengthen security and make Delta State safer.
