By Wisdom Chukwu-Ohaegbule
Truly, in continuation of the administration he succeeded, Gov Sim Fubara has doled out N20m to the family of a policeman that died in active service.
This is a police that the Nyesom Wike administration initiated when violent crimes ravaged the state, aimed at making policemen fight more gallantly.
The policy actually started during the Chibuike Amaechi administration but the amount was lower.
Now, the Rivers State governor on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, commiserated with the State Police Command over the death of Inspector Collins David, who died in active duty recently while serving under the Ahoada Division of the State Command.
And to demonstrate the state government’s concern and empathy, Gov Fubara presented cash endowment of N20million to the widow of the slain policeman.
Presenting the cheque at the Headquarters of the State Police Command in Port Harcourt on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, said, the gesture is Gov Fubara’s demonstration of commitment to ensuring that the families of policemen who lose their lives in the cause of serving the State are not left in desolation.
According to him, “This is in continuation of the traditions of Rivers State Government security architecture to partner the police and other security agencies in the fight against crime and to let you know that Rivers State Government will always stand with you. This is a token of support.
“We understand money cannot replace a life but it is a way of showing support to the men and officers who serve in Rivers State.
“Whenever we hear that your gallant officers either sustain life-threatening injury or lose their lives in the service to the State, the Government of Rivers State will as a point of duty and commitment, come to commiserate with affected officers or their families and render any possible support to ensure that our officers understand that we value their services,” he said.
While commending the relentless efforts of the Police Command and in particular the strategic fight against criminality by the new Commissioner of Police, Dr Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, the governor maintained that his collaboration with the security agencies shows that Rivers State government and our people appreciate the efforts of the police in the State.
He further admonished the widow to anchor her faith and hope in God and be dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of her children.
“Your husband did not die in vain, he died for a worthy cause. If anyone dies for a good course, God watches over his own,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, C.P. Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, described Governor Fubara’s monetary presentation to the family of the fallen officer as an uncommon gesture of encouragement in the country.
He expressed the gratitude of the Command to Governor Fubara who has always been there for the Police Command.
He recalled that the late Inspector Collins David was a brave officer who worked tirelessly to ensure crime is nipped in the bud especially in the Ahoada axis of the State.
“This is a price we all pay to getting where we are. We will ensure that no stone is left unturned to avenge the death and the likes of those terrorizing the streets are brought to justice. Their end is near,”, he said.
He prayed God to grant grace to the bereaved family and the State Command.
The Widow of the deceased officer, Mrs Chriatiana David, thanked the Rivers State governor for the goodwill and cash gift.
“We are immensely grateful. On behalf of my children and the extended family of David, thank you Gov Fubara. God bless you immensely and keep Rivers State safe,” she said.
