Soludo: Orutugu Is A Gift To Nigeria As Anambra Bids Farewell To Retiring Police Chief

CHRISTIAN ABURIME

In an unprecedented move, the Anambra State Government rolled out the full paraphernalia of state to honor the retiring Commissioner of Police, AIG Orutugu Ikeoye, during a special session of the State Executive Council meeting held at the Light House, Awka.

Leading the accolades, the Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo described the event as a historic milestone for the state.

“This is the first time an officer is retiring in active service from Anambra State. To say goodbye formally, with the full government paraphernalia in full session,” Governor Soludo remarked. “It’s quite emotional and almost impossible to believe that Orutugu is leaving us. Fantastic seeing all of you in solidarity. This is the very first time we are doing this in Anambra State.”

The Governor noted that the 60-year-old native of Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State is bowing out after a distinguished career. He praised the retired officer’s dedication, noting that he is retiring solely due to mandatory conditions of service.

“He is retired but not tired,” Soludo said. “Let me specially appreciate your mother and members of the royal cabinet from Bayelsa. You all gave Nigeria the gift of Ikeoye. We want to congratulate you on your elevation; you more than deserved it. Very importantly, for me, he is a team player. You worked with your colleagues in the security architecture.

As a result, you produced the results you did. No one agency can get it all done. As you take a bow, we as a state hold this special session of the executive council in your honour.”

Other key figures at the executive session poured encomiums on the outgoing AIG for transforming the security landscape of the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, noted that it was a very important day to recognize the efforts and milestones CP Orutugu, thanking him specially for his impactful work and wishing him well in retirement.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke, congratulated the AIG, recalling that when he assumed office, “the state was wrapped in insecurity,” but through collaborative efforts, “now Anambra is one of the safest states in the country. He fought with us and we won the battle.”

Speaking for sister security chiefs, the State Director of Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Chuks Anukposi described Orutugu as “a man I call my friend and partner, very passionate of his job, a mobilizer and an organizer. Together, we have successfully planned operations. Nigeria needs you,” while the raditional Ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala who spoke for Anambra traditional rulers, thanked God for his retirement and successful service. He noted that during his tenure, “he defended the security policies of the state. The incidences of burning our palaces came to an end.”

Responding to the overwhelming show of love and honor, AIG Orutugu Ikeoye expressed deep gratitude to God, Governor Soludo, and the people of Anambra State.
“I thank God for His grace that has sustained me all these years,” Orutugu stated. “I extend my gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, the people and government of Anambra, sister agencies, community leaders, and the great people of the state. Anambra is truly the Light of the Nation, and I am honored to have served in this state.”

Recalling his early days in the state, the retired police chief noted that the command was confronted with significant security challenges upon his assumption of duty.

“Together we confronted the threats and recorded remarkable achievements in the state, thereby leading to improved public safety as well as strengthened public confidence in the police,” he said.

While appealing to the state government to sustain and surpass the current momentum of support, he charged his fellow officers to “continue to uphold the high standards of Police professionalism for increased effectiveness.”