Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a fresh warning to criminals and individuals who may attempt to arm others for political violence, declaring that offenders will face the full weight of the law irrespective of their relationship with him or political affiliation.
Oborevwori gave the warning on Wednesday at Government House, Asaba, while receiving the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Erale, who paid him a courtesy visit.
The governor said his administration would maintain a firm stance against crime and criminality, stressing that no individual would be shielded from prosecution on account of friendship, family ties or political connections.
In a pointed declaration, Oborevwori said: “If you are my brother, if you are my friend, if you commit, you go for it. Nobody is above the law.”
He described security as a major pillar of his administration’s MORE Agenda, noting that a peaceful and secure environment was essential to attracting investment, promoting economic growth and improving the wellbeing of residents.
The governor charged the new police commissioner to strengthen intelligence-led policing and intensify surveillance across communities, highways and waterways, particularly in riverine areas of the state.
He also advocated stronger collaboration among the police, other security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders, vigilante groups and other stakeholders, saying effective community-based policing would enhance public confidence and improve intelligence gathering.
Oborevwori raised concern over the proliferation of firearms, particularly the possession and use of rifles by civilians.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to recover illegal arms and apprehend persons found in possession of unauthorised weapons.
The governor further warned against attempts to arm individuals for political violence as the state approaches another electioneering period, stressing that the government would not tolerate activities capable of threatening the peace of the state.
He assured the police commissioner of the state government’s continued support through the Delta State Security Trust Fund, including the provision of operational vehicles and other logistics to security agencies.
According to him, the government would continue to provide the necessary support to sustain the prevailing peace in Delta and ensure that security agencies are adequately equipped to discharge their responsibilities.
Earlier, CP Erale assured the governor and people of Delta State of his commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
The new commissioner pledged to operate with professionalism and discipline, promising to ensure that the values guide the activities of personnel under his command.
Erale also disclosed plans to rejig the existing security architecture in the state, while building on the achievements of his predecessors to further strengthen security across Delta.
