. I thank journalists, Anambrarians for supporting me – AIG Orutugu
By Chuks Eke
In an emotional farewell speech in honour of the retiring Commissioner of Police, AIG Orutugu Ikioye,
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has described the historic pulling out event of Orutugu as a milestone for the state.
Soludo who made the remark during a special session of the State Executive Council meeting held at the Light House, Awka, Awka, Wednesday, declared: “This is the first time an officer is retiring in active service from Anambra State”.
According to Soludo, “To say goodbye formally, with the full government paraphernalia in full session, 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 Ikioye. 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 Ikioye 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.”
During his pulling out parade at the state Police Headquarters, the outgoing Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to journalists and residents of the state for their unwavering support throughout his tenure, describing the media as critical partners in the fight against crime.
According to him, “arriving in Anambra about one and a half years ago and I was overwhelmed by the warmth, acceptance and cooperation I received from the media”.
“When I arrived in this state, the engagement, love, understanding and acceptance from the media were overwhelming. I challenged myself to ensure that I would sustain that relationship until the day I left office. Looking back today, I can confidently say that one of the best things that happened to me in Anambra was the support, commitment and understanding shown by the media,” he stated.
The police chief acknowledged the role of journalists in communicating the activities of the Command to the public, noting that their professionalism contributed significantly to the recognition he received at the national level.
He disclosed that he was recently honoured with the Crime Fighter and Most Professional Police Officer of the Year 2026 award by the National Association of Women, alongside another Best Crime Fighter award presented by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Council.
“When awards come from different organisations, it shows that people are seeing the work we are doing. It also reflects the effectiveness of the Anambra media in projecting our efforts to the outside world,” he stated.
Orutugu said he remained indebted to journalists in the state for their support and hinted at plans to appreciate them formally in consultation with the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).
Reflecting on his career, the outgoing commissioner urged police officers to remain committed to professionalism, insisting that integrity remains the greatest asset of any officer.
“The only thing you owe yourself as a police officer is professionalism. You do not owe any influential person anything. You do not owe your landlord or anyone else. Just be professional,” he advised.
He recounted spending many years serving in police training institutions under difficult conditions, stressing that he never joined the Nigeria Police Force for financial gain.
“I did not join the police because of money. At the time I enlisted, there were opportunities in banks, oil companies and other organisations. But the satisfaction I have derived from serving as a police officer is incomparable,” he said.
According to him, a good reputation is more valuable than material wealth.
“A good name is greater than silver and gold. If you remain independent, refuse undue influence and are not driven by the benefits of your office, God will honour you. Even if people do not recognise you, God certainly will,” he added.
Orutugu noted that despite the security challenges encountered during his tenure, serving in Anambra had been both fulfilling and rewarding.
He said he was pleased that public perception of security in the state had improved significantly, adding that many residents now acknowledge the progress recorded under his leadership.
Expressing gratitude to the state government, members of the Police Command, security stakeholders and the people of Anambra, Orutugu thanked everyone who contributed to the successes recorded during his administration and wished the state continued peace and security.
