The Rivers Government in Abuja on Sunday pledged to support the police in the discharge of their duties.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Tele Ikuru, gave the assurance at the launch of N100, 000 million fund raising ceremony of the Police Chaplain Building at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He commended them for combating crimes in the state and other parts of the Niger Delta region.
“Believe me, there is no way we would have been able to fight criminals who give themselves beautiful names like militants.
“There is no way we would have been able to fight them to a standstill, but for the sacrifice made by the Nigeria Police. They showed strength, they showed courage in the fight.
“That is why irrespective of anything, for helping us to restore Rivers State; for helping us to get back our state; we will continue to support the police.
“As a matter of fact one will wonder why will Rivers be interested in being here today, especially when you know we are having issues with the police.
“But the bottom line is whether we have issues or we do not have, when we see good things we support it,’’ he said.
It would be recalled that Gov. Rotimi Amaechi, had accused the police of taking side with the opposition in political crisis rocking the state.
Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, who was the chief launcher, applauded the police for plans to build a house to worship God.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Pius Odubu, the governor called on Christians and non-Christians alike to support the police and donate to actualise the project.
“The primary role of the police conventionally is protection of lives and property, but here in Nigeria, you have decided to take an added responsibility of winning souls for Christ.
“And that is why you have decided to build for the Lord. I believe it is one laudable initiative that everybody must support.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, commended the police chaplaincy for its efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abubakar, who was represented by the DIG in charge of works, Mr Emmanuel Udeoji, said he was satisfied with the active role police Christians were playing in preaching the word of God.
Over N22 million was realised at the occasion with the highest donation of
N10 million from a `friend’ of the police who did not want his name mentioned.
Oshiomhole and a police contractors donated N5 million each; Rivers Government, N2 million, Mountain of Fire and Miracle, N500,000; and Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr Mike Okiro, N200,000. (NAN)