CDHR Raises Concern Over Frequent Change of Delta Police Commissioners, Welcomes New CP

The Delta State Branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed concern over the frequent changes in the leadership of the Delta State Police Command, noting that three Commissioners of Police have been deployed to the state within the last seven months.

In a statement issued on Thursday, jointly signed by the Chairman of CDHR Delta State, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, and the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Nosa Oveseey Godswill, the organisation said that although it would not interfere in the internal affairs of the Nigeria Police Force, the repeated redeployment of Commissioners of Police raises concerns about stability, continuity and the unique security challenges facing the state.

According to the group, the trend suggests that the office of the Commissioner of Police in Delta State has attracted unusual attention in recent times, particularly in view of recent security developments.

CDHR, however, welcomed the appointment of the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, describing his posting as a positive step towards promoting fairness, equity and adherence to the federal character principle in the deployment of heads of security agencies.

The organisation noted that for a long time, key command positions in security agencies appeared to be concentrated in certain regions, creating concerns about inclusion and equitable representation.

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It expressed satisfaction that CP Etaifo is from the South-South region and urged the authorities to extend the same principle of inclusivity and balanced representation to other security agencies across the country.

> “The strength of our nation lies in the beauty of our multi-ethnic diversity. When every region feels represented, we build stronger trust between the people and our security institutions,” the statement said.

While congratulating the new police commissioner, CDHR urged him to strengthen security across Delta State, uphold the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights, enforce discipline and zero tolerance for crime and misconduct among police personnel, and build stronger partnerships with communities and civil society organisations.

The rights group added that the people of Delta State deserve safety, justice and professional policing, assuring the new commissioner of its readiness to collaborate with the Police in advancing peace, security and public confidence in the state.