Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, at the resumption of duty after his vacation, on Tuesday lamented the prolonged feud between the police and Senator Isa Misau over allegations of corruption.
Dickson said the allegations were unhealthy and antithetical to the image of the senator and the police.
Misau, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, alleged that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, received gratification from corporate organizations in exchange for security.
The police responded by declaring the senator a deserter for leaving the force to contest an election without following due process or getting the right permission.
But Dickson expressed concern over the controversy, which he said was capable of ridiculing public institutions by portraying the Senate and the police in bad light.
Describing the two institutions as critical and sacred, the governor insisted that such crisis of confidence could undermine the police and the senate.
While calling on Misau to withdraw his allegations against the police, the governor also asked the police to restrain from making further statements on the matter or taking further action against the Senator.
The governor observed that the police had many problems that required the support of all stakeholders including serving and former officers.
He said such support would help motivate men and officers of the police force “who are underfunded but are doing a difficult job in a difficult situation to safeguard the country”.
He said: ”Those of us who have passed through the force have a duty to work with the police to make it strong and better. Those of us who have been in and out of uniform owe the organisation the support that it desires from people who have had the privilege to serve the Police.
“On no account should we denigrate the Police for what we owe the Police is support to enable it overcome the multifarious problems confronting the Police which in my opinion is a critical institution of state”, he said.
Dickson, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, confirmed that he had returned from his vacation after enjoying deserved rest and attending to personal matters.
The statement said the governor as required by law had transmitted a letter to the State House of Assembly through the Speaker, Mr. Konbowei Benson, to notify the lawmakers of his resumption.
He thanked his Deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) for effectively standing in for him as Acting Governor during the period of his absence.
He also thanked other members of his cabinet, who continued to work tirelessly for the good of the state.
Dickson also expressed his appreciation to Bayelsans especially civil servants for their dedication to duty and the support they have been given to his administration.
The governor reiterated an earlier announcement that as part of his first assignment upon resumption, he would continue with the commissioning of projects.
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