By Ovie Okpare
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has declared that nobody will be shielded from prosecution for committing a crime in the state, saying even his brother or friend will face the law if found culpable.
Oborevwori stated this on Wednesday when he received the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Erale, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.
The governor, who declared that there was no room for crime and criminality in the state, warned criminals and those who might seek to arm individuals for political violence that they would face the full weight of the law.
He said his administration’s approach to crime fighting would remain firm, irrespective of the status or political affiliation of offenders.
Oborevwori said, “If you are my brother, if you are my friend, if you commit, you go for it. Nobody is above the law.”
The governor described security as a central pillar of his administration’s MORE Agenda, stressing that peace and safety were essential for development, investment, economic growth and the wellbeing of citizens.
He urged the new police commissioner to sustain an intelligence-led and coordinated approach to policing, with stronger surveillance of communities, highways and waterways, particularly in the riverine areas.
Oborevwori also called for deeper collaboration among the police, other security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders, vigilante groups and other stakeholders.
According to him, community-based policing would strengthen trust between security agencies and residents while improving intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The governor further warned against the proliferation of firearms, particularly the possession and use of rifles by civilians.
He directed security agencies to intensify efforts to recover illegal arms and arrest persons found in possession of unauthorised weapons.
Oborevwori assured the police and other security agencies of the continued support of his administration through the Delta State Security Trust Fund, including the provision of operational vehicles and other logistics.
He also assured the commissioner that the state government would provide the necessary support to sustain the prevailing peace in Delta, including during the electioneering period.
Earlier, Erale assured the governor and people of Delta State of his commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
The commissioner said he would be guided by professionalism and discipline, promising to replicate the values throughout the command.
Erale added that he would rejig the existing security architecture in the state and build on the achievements of his predecessors to make Delta safer.
