Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has warned politicians and their supporters against arming individuals for political violence ahead of the electioneering period in the state.
The governor 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.
Oborevwori said his administration would not tolerate crime or criminality, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation or relationship with him.
He 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 key part of his administration’s MORE Agenda, noting that a peaceful environment was necessary for economic activities, investment and development.
He urged Erale to strengthen intelligence-led policing and increase surveillance on communities, highways and waterways, particularly in riverine areas.
Oborevwori also called for closer cooperation among the police, other security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders and vigilante groups to improve intelligence gathering and community policing.
He expressed concern over the proliferation of firearms, especially the possession of rifles by civilians, and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to recover illegal weapons and arrest those found with them.
The governor 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.
He said the support would continue to enable security agencies to sustain peace in the state, including during the electioneering period.
Responding, Erale assured the governor and residents of his commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
The commissioner said professionalism and discipline would guide his administration of the command, adding that he would review the existing security architecture and build on the achievements of his predecessors.
