By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commended CP Ikioye Orutugu for his dedicated service to Anambra as the Commissioner for Police, Nigeria, and humanity, describing him as a gift to Nigeria from Bayelsa, who served with distinction. “You are retiring but not tired,” he remarked, highlighting that Orutugu is a true team player, which was the most prominent compliment about him.
The governor made these remarks during a send-off ceremony for the retired police commissioner at the Anambra State 8th Executive Council meeting 2.0 in the ANSEC Chamber, Anambra Lighthouse, Awka, on August 5.
He noted that working well with colleagues led to good results and emphasised that no agency can operate effectively alone without collaboration. “Therefore, as you take your bow, greater days are ahead of you,” he said.
Governor Soludo congratulated CP Orutugu for his promotion to an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and wished him good health, encouraging him to continue to provide services to Nigeria and Ndi Anambra when consulted.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Governor (SSG), Mrs Chiamaka Nnaka, stated that the gathering aimed to recognise the milestone of the Police Commissioner and wish him well in retirement.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, thanked the CP for his contributions to state security, noting his impactful presence across various sectors.
Representing the Service Chiefs, Mr Chuks Anukposi, Director of the DSS Anambra Command, congratulated the retiring CP on his recent promotion and lauded his passion, organisational skills, social nature, and teamwork.
CP Ikioye Orutugu expressed gratitude to God for his grace throughout his career and for his tenure as Police Commissioner. He thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his confidence, the government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and Ndi Anambra for their steadfast support. “Anambra is truly the Light of the Nation, and I am honoured to have served,” he said.
He reflected on the challenges faced when he assumed office, including the escape of suspects connected to the murder of a sitting Hon Member in Onitsha, the mysterious death of three children in Nnewi, street crimes, kidnappings, cult violence, and attacks on security personnel and facilities.
Under his leadership, the command adopted intelligence-led, technology-enabled, and community-oriented policing strategies. He strengthened collaboration with security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, and others, resulting in notable improvements in safety and security.
The ceremony was marked by the presentation of some gifts to the outgoing CP by the Governor.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
