Living Legends Series: AROTU PERE: THE BUDGET-MASTERING PEACEKEEPER FROM AJAKURAMA .

Our living legend today is:

AROTU PERE: THE BUDGET-MASTERING PEACEKEEPER FROM AJAKURAMA 

By Prince Agbedeyi O. D (+2348134902214)

In an age when public service is often clouded by controversies and inefficiencies, Commissioner of Police (CP) Arotu Pere stands out as a sterling example of discipline, intellect, and patriotic commitment. His journey from the quiet riverside town of Ajakurama in Egbema Kingdom to the apex of police administration in Abuja is a compelling story of resilience, strategic leadership, and integrity.

The Strategic Mind Behind the Budget

At as the time of the report, we can't ascertain his current department but he once  served in the Accounts and Budget Department of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, CP Arotu Pere plays a key role in ensuring financial discipline, transparency, and modernization within the force. A financial strategist by training and a disciplined officer by nature, Pere has earned the respect of colleagues and superiors alike for his sharp analytical mind and administrative acumen.

He has consistently championed fiscal prudence and innovation within the force. In October 2024, CP Pere represented the Inspector General of Police at a landmark conference organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs in Enugu. The conference focused on improving the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the Nigeria Police Force, a subject that has gained national relevance given Nigeria’s dynamic economic terrain.

At the event, CP Pere addressed the stakeholders with clarity and foresight, highlighting the significance of the Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP). This initiative is designed to automate and regulate income-generating services such as fingerprinting, issuance of tinted glass permits, VIP escort services, and firearm licensing. “We are not traditionally seen as a revenue-generating agency,” he said, “but the time has come for the Nigeria Police to take proactive steps toward financial sustainability, transparency, and operational excellence.”

His statement did not merely resonate with the audience—it sparked policy conversations at the highest level.

Welfare Champion and Reformer

Beyond budget sheets and automation projects, CP Pere is also a strong advocate for police welfare. In May 2024, he led a training session in Abuja on behalf of the Inspector General, focused on monitoring and evaluating the implementation of improved remuneration and conditions of service for police officers nationwide.

This initiative aligns with broader reforms aimed at addressing the historical neglect of rank-and-file officers, many of whom serve under severe conditions with limited resources. “For us to rebuild public confidence and morale within the police, we must begin with our people—the men and women on the frontlines,” Pere noted during the session.

His hands-on approach to policy implementation has seen the force embrace modern welfare tracking tools and performance measurement indicators. These systems are now being used to assess the impact of new policies and inform future decisions.

A Pride of Egbema and Nigeria

CP Arotu Pere is not only respected in police circles—he is revered in his hometown. A native of Ajakurama, a serene Ijaw community in the Egbema Kingdom straddling Edo and Delta States, Pere has become a symbol of hope and excellence for many young people. The Egbema Focus Group (EFG), a coalition of intellectuals and professionals from the kingdom, celebrated his elevation and praised his unwavering commitment to duty and community.

“He has shown that integrity, professionalism, and hard work can still lead to the top,” said Chief Timipere Ogbokiri, a traditional leader and spokesperson for the group. “He is not just a police officer; he is a beacon of what the Egbema child can become.”

His connection to his roots remains strong. Pere has supported education initiatives, youth empowerment programs, and regularly mentors aspiring officers from the Niger Delta region. His humility and accessibility have earned him not only respect but genuine affection from the grassroots.

Legacy in the Making

As the Nigeria Police Force undergoes gradual transformation, CP Arotu Pere stands at the intersection of fiscal reform, personnel welfare, and institutional credibility. Colleagues describe him as methodical, respectful, and visionary. Superiors trust him with delicate responsibilities. Communities celebrate him as a role model. And junior officers see in him the embodiment of what a disciplined police career can yield.

While many know him as a budget expert or a government envoy at policy roundtables, those closest to him say he is simply a man of service—calm, focused, and deeply committed to national development.

As Nigeria continues to battle internal security challenges, the need for ethical, competent, and passionate leaders like CP Arotu Pere cannot be overstated. His journey, achievements, and ongoing work serve as a powerful reminder that greatness can come from the creeks of Ajakurama just as it can from any urban center.

Indeed, in Arotu Pere, the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large have found not just a public servant, but a statesman in uniform.