Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, called on oil companies operating in the state to partner the state government in funding the state security trust fund.

Governor Oborevwori made the call when he received the new Police Commissioner in the State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, and his management team on a courtesy call at Government House, Asaba.

While congratulating the Commissioner of Police on his posting to the state, Governor Oborevwori urged him to work hard like his predecessor, Wale Abbas, who was recently promoted Assistant Inspector -General of Police.

Oborevwori said: “I welcome you to Delta State and as you have pledged, I urge you to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure that Delta State is secured.

“In line with my M.O.R.E Agenda, we will ensure peace and security and we have been enjoying peace in the last few months.

“Delta State has been very stable for a very long time now; this is the first time that crime rate in Warri is very, very low in Yuletide season.

“I want to commend the former CP, Wale Abbas, who has been promoted Assistant Inspector-General of Police. He did very well and he understood the workings of the state and, with your rich profile, I know that Warri, in fact, all of Delta State, including Asaba, the state capital, will be a place where people can sleep with their eyes closed.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to ensure that there is enduring peace in Delta State.

“It is only when there is enduring peace that development can come to the state and, in the past few months, a lot of companies are already trying to relocate back by the grace of God.”

While calling on oil companies to support the State Security Trust Fund, Governor Oborevwori assured that the state government would procure some operational vehicles for the police and other security agencies to enhance their work.

“Recently, we inaugurated the board of the Delta State Security Trust Fund and we know that the work of the Security Trust Fund is to make sure that the Police and other security agencies are well taken care of.

“We will continue to support the Security Trust Fund and I encourage the oil companies to also partner the state to support the Security Trust Fund.

“In Lagos State, the Security Trust Fund is functioning very well and I know that Delta State Security Trust Fund will also function very well with the support and partnership of the international oil companies in the state.

“We know that there are challenges of vehicle, and the Police and other security agencies need vehicles to perform their duties. We will try as much as possible to provide some vehicles to support the work of security agencies.

“As you have pledged to support the state to ensure peace and security, it is my prayer that your work here is going to be productive and very satisfying. Together we can build the state.

Earlier, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, said he was in Government House to present himself to the Governor as the new Commissioner of Police in the state and pledged to work hard to ensure peace and security across the state.

“It is a privilege and great honour to be here today to present myself to the Executive Governor, having been posted here with a pledge to serve the people of Delta State, with a pledge to show nothing but absolute dedication to duty.

“It is my pledge to ensure that Deltans can sleep with their two eyes closed and to work in collaboration with the Governor and other stakeholders to ensure that this state is secured for everyone. This is my solemn pledge Your Excellency.”

•PHOTO: Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (6^th left), with the new Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda (5^th right), shortly after a courtesy call on the Governor at Government House, Asaba on Monday. PHOTO: Enarusai Bripin

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