ASABA, Delta State — The Delta State Police Command and representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have pledged stronger collaboration to promote human rights, police accountability and public safety across the state.
The commitment was made on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during an interactive meeting and luncheon hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, at the Officers’ Mess in Asaba.
The engagement, held in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was designed to strengthen police-community relations and provide a platform for dialogue on accountability, human rights protection, public safety and cooperation between law enforcement and civil society.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Human Rights, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo, described the meeting as a wake-up call for stronger collaboration between the Police and civil society.
Ejumudo stressed that both parties should be regarded as partners rather than adversaries, noting their shared responsibility to serve the public. He called on the Police to improve accessibility and respond promptly to complaints, while warning against misinformation and its potential consequences, citing the EndSARS protests as an example.
Similarly, the Delta State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Nor Chia Shaku, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to work with the Police Command.
Shaku emphasised that the Commission’s mandate is to promote and protect human rights through constructive engagement, rather than antagonism, while encouraging sustained cooperation with the police.
Also speaking, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe highlighted the contributions of civil society organisations to good governance, civic education, peacebuilding, community mobilisation and public accountability.
He urged residents to respect the law, reject violence and participate responsibly in civic affairs.
In his remarks, Comrade Efemena Akhima cautioned human rights advocates against spreading false or unverified information, particularly on social media. He stressed the importance of accuracy, responsibility and integrity in public communication.
Responding to concerns raised by participants, Commissioner of Police Samuel E. Erale acknowledged the vital role of civil society in promoting accountability and strengthening public confidence in policing.
The police commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, respect for fundamental human rights and zero tolerance for extortion and other forms of misconduct by police personnel.
Erale also assured stakeholders that the Command would work towards improving accessibility, giving prompt attention to legitimate complaints and sustaining engagement with civil society groups.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to build a relationship with civil society based on mutual trust, transparency and shared responsibility for maintaining peace and security throughout Delta State.
The meeting underscored the importance of continuous dialogue between law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations in addressing public concerns, improving accountability and strengthening community confidence in policing.
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