The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has officially congratulated and welcomed CP John Ayeniyi on his appointment as the new Commissioner of Police for Delta State Command.
In a press statement released on Tuesday and signed it’s National President, Dr. Kehinde Prince Taiga, the CDHR commended the appointment, expressing confidence that Ayeniyi’s tenure would bring “a new era of professionalism, effective policing, and enhanced security” to the state.
The rights advocacy body, however, accompanied its goodwill message with a strong advisory, urging the new police chief to ensure strict compliance with the rule of law and respect for human rights in all operations.
The CDHR called on CP Ayeniyi to intensify crime-fighting efforts across Delta State, emphasizing the need for “proactive, intelligence-driven, and lawful policing” to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and communal violence.
Crucially, the group reminded the Commissioner that his duties must be carried out within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution, the Police Act, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and other relevant laws.
The statement particularly highlighted the need to protect the fundamental human rights enshrined in Chapter IV of the Constitution, including the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and freedom from torture and unlawful detention.
The CDHR listed specific violations the new Commissioner must avoid and address decisively: Illegal arrests and detention, torture and inhuman treatment, extra-judicial killings, extortion and unlawful roadblocks, invasion of homes without lawful authority and suppression of peaceful protests.
The organization advocated for a police force under Ayeniyi’s leadership that is “accountable, transparent, and people-oriented,” recommending regular engagement with civil society, community leaders, youth, and women’s groups to build public trust.
“Security and human rights are not mutually exclusive; rather, they complement each other in building a peaceful and democratic society,” the CDHR asserted.
The statement concluded with an assurance of the group’s readiness to collaborate with the Delta State Police Command to promote justice, security, and peace.(News Crest)
