Nigerians losing faith in public institutions -Wike

Rivers  Governor, Nyesom  Wike and Commissioner of Police, Usman Belel at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday 

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has declared that people are beginning  to lose faith in public institutions because of the unprofessional conduct of their  personnel.

Governor Wike regretted  that the Army, Police and INEC have failed to carry out their responsibilities in line with approved professional ethics. 

Speaking during a courtesy visit by Mr Usman Belel, the new Commissioner of Police, Rivers State on Tuesday ,  the Rivers State Governor urged the Police to improve their performance in the state.

He said: "People are beginning to lose confidence in public institutions in the country.  I believe  that as the new police commissioner, you will work for the confidence in the Police to return".

The governor said that the immediate past Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Zaki Ahmed allowed himself to be used negatively against the state and law  enforcement processes. 

"Your predecessor allowed himself to be used by thugs to invade the courts in Rivers State.  The Chief Justice of Nigeria called for the Investigation and prosecution of those that invaded the courts, but Zaki  Ahmed refused.

"Rivers State will not forget that  it was Zaki Ahmed's time that thugs invaded  the Rivers State High Court, which is located near the Police Headquarters . He didn't bring anybody to book".

Governor Wike assured the new police commissioner  that his administration will support the command to fight crime across the state. 

He urged the Police Commissioner to focus on ending kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes. He added that under no circumstances  should crime be politicised.

"Government  will give you all necessary support to fight crime . I believe that you will fulfill  your pledge to be professional in the discharge of your duties", he said. 

Earlier, the New Rivers State Police Commissioner, Usman Belel said he was at the Government House Port Harcourt to formally introduce himself  and seek  the support of the administration to fight crime. 

He assured that the police under his command will work professionally  to fight crime and make the state safe for residents to carry out their lawful businesses. 

The 7th Police Commissioner since Governor Wike assumed duty was posted to the state from Zamfara where he served last. He is officially  the 39th Police Commissioner  since the creation of Rivers State.