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Fubara Hails IGP Disu’s Role During Rivers Political Crisis, Seeks Neutral Policing Ahead of 2027
Fubara Hails IGP Disu’s Role During Rivers Political Crisis, Seeks Neutral Policing Ahead of 2027
Fubara says Disu remained professional and balanced as Rivers Police Commissioner despite intense pressures at the height of the state’s political crisis
Governor says Disu’s handling of the turbulent period helped propel him to the highest position in the Nigeria Police Force
With the 2027 elections approaching, Fubara says the IGP faces another defining test requiring professionalism in policing an increasingly charged political environment
Disu says his visit to Port Harcourt is for the book launch of retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga, one of the first 20 women to join the Nigeria Police Force.
October 14, () – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has hailed Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his professional and balanced handling of security affairs during the height of the political crisis in the State, urging him to sustain the same impartial approach as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Receiving the IGP at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, Fubara recalled that Disu served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers at the height of the bitter political confrontation in the state, but said he resisted the pressures of the period and remained committed to his constitutional responsibilities.
The governor said Disu’s professionalism, dedication to duty and efforts to maintain a balance among competing interests were qualities that ultimately helped propel him to the highest office in the Nigeria Police Force.
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“I feel very happy that somebody who left here in a very difficult situation, in a very trying time, is here today visiting us in a higher capacity.
“Honestly, I feel very happy. While he was here as Commissioner of Police, it was at the peak of a crisis, but I can tell you that he did his work without minding the situation. He tried as much as he could to balance all areas.
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“So, I want to thank you for serving us well, and that service is what propelled you to this very exalted position that you occupy today,” Fubara said.
The governor described Disu’s visit as a homecoming, saying his service in Rivers had made him part of the state’s institutional history.
According to Fubara, the police chief’s role during the crisis would remain part of the record whenever the history of that turbulent period and his administration is written.
But beyond celebrating Disu’s elevation, Fubara turned attention to the challenge awaiting him at the national level, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the IGP was again assuming responsibility at a difficult moment, with existing security challenges compounded by the approaching electoral contest.
“You are taking this new office at a very difficult time too, considering the challenges we are already facing in this country and the one we are about to enter into, which is the election. I strongly believe that God will give you the grace to surmount that challenge,” Fubara said.
Fubara assured the IGP that Rivers would continue to cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in maintaining law and order.
He also offered prayers for Disu’s tenure, saying he hoped the police chief “will never end in shame but will continue to progress to a greater glory.”
Disu: Rivers Visit Is A Homecoming
Earlier, Disu said his return to Rivers was an opportunity to thank Fubara and residents of the state for the cooperation he enjoyed while serving as Commissioner of Police.
The IGP acknowledged the importance of the relationship between state governments and security agencies, saying policing becomes considerably more difficult without the cooperation and logistical support of the government.
He thanked Fubara for the assistance extended to him during his tenure and for continuing to support the current leadership of the Rivers State Police Command.
According to Disu, heads of other security agencies in the state had also asked him to convey their appreciation to the governor for his administration’s support.
The IGP equally commended Rivers residents for allowing peace to prevail despite the political tensions that have confronted the state.
Disu said he was also in Port Harcourt for the book launch of retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga, one of the first 20 women to join the Nigeria Police Force.
Describing the 94-year-old retired officer as a “living monument,” the IGP said her career represented an important chapter in the history of women in the police.
From Rivers Crisis to National Assignment
Disu’s period as Commissioner of Police in Rivers coincided with a particularly volatile phase of the political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
What began as a breakdown in relations between the governor and his political benefactor escalated into a battle for control of the state’s political structure, dividing the House of Assembly and triggering impeachment moves, litigation and competing claims to political authority.
The crisis also spilled into local government administration and repeatedly tested the ability of state institutions and security agencies to operate amid competing political pressures.
Police actions consequently came under scrutiny at various points as supporters of the rival camps questioned the handling of protests, political gatherings, government institutions and other flashpoints.
Disu served as Rivers Commissioner of Police from November 2023 until his redeployment in February 2024, a period that covered some of the earliest and most volatile months of the Fubara-Wike confrontation.
His tenure included the October 2023 attempt by lawmakers aligned with Wike to commence impeachment proceedings against Fubara, the demolition of the Rivers House of Assembly complex by the state government after a fire damaged part of the building, and the deepening division within the legislature.
Against that background, Fubara’s commendation on Tuesday amounted to more than a ceremonial welcome for a former police commissioner.
It was also an endorsement of what the governor considers essential for policing politically sensitive situations — professionalism, restraint and balance.
Fubara said Rivers would play its part by maintaining cooperation with the force, while expressing confidence that Disu would successfully navigate the challenges of his national assignment.
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