President Tinubu's IGP Appointment Hailed as Meritocratic Masterstroke
A resounding endorsement has greeted President Bola Tinubu's appointment of Acting Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu as Nigeria's 23rd indigenous IGP. This strategic move is being celebrated as a masterstroke, earning plaudits from security experts and citizens nationwide. The appointment is widely touted as a triumph of meritocracy, with Disu's unwavering patriotism and extensive expertise garnering widespread admiration and solidifying the President's decision as a bold step in the right direction for national security.
Historical Precedents and Institutional Traditions
The Nigeria Police Force maintains a longstanding tradition where senior officers retire when a junior officer is appointed as Inspector-General of Police. This practice dates back to 1964 with the first indigenous IGP, Louis Edet. A detailed examination of 18 IGP appointments since 1981 reveals a consistent pattern, exemplified by Sunday Adewusi's appointment in 1981. IGP Sunday Adewusi was promoted from Assistant Inspector General to IGP, with his seniors retiring quietly without controversy. Similarly, AIG Etim Inyang's appointment in 1983 followed this same pattern, with seniors stepping aside without major drama. Notably, out of the 18 appointments since 1981, only about three IGPs have risen from the rank of Deputy Inspector General, and even then, the tradition of retiring seniors was upheld across various administrations.
Controversies and Promotion Dynamics
As of October 21, 2013, Frank Mba and Tunji Disu were both Chief Superintendents of Police, but their seniority differed significantly. Frank Mba was ranked 654 on the staff list, while Tunji Disu was ranked 118, indicating Disu's higher seniority at the time. Frank Mba reportedly received accelerated promotions, moving from Deputy Commissioner of Police to Commissioner of Police despite being junior to Tunji Disu. This followed earlier promotions from Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner of Police. These advancements put him on par with Disu, sparking concerns about fairness and transparency in the promotion process within the Force.
Disu's Impressive Operational Track Record
Acting IGP Olatunji Disu boasts an impressive operational background that spans critical roles across Nigeria. His career includes serving as:
- SARS Commander in Ondo, Oyo, and Rivers States
- Divisional Police Officer in Elingbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State
- Head of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos and the Intelligence Response Team in Abuja
- Principal Staff Officer to a past Inspector-General of Police
- Commissioner of Police in Rivers State
- Assistant Inspector-General of the Special Protection Unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja
- Assistant Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos
This extensive experience highlights his capability in high-stakes tactical operations and meticulous criminal investigations, making him an ideal choice for the current security climate.
Addressing Divisive Tactics and Upholding Meritocracy
The current outcry over the appointment appears to stem from entitled interest groups, akin to spoiled children accustomed to having every whim indulged. However, with national elections approaching, the Presidency rightly prefers a proven operations commander—a leader skilled in coordinating large-scale deployments and executing intelligence-led policing. It is deeply regrettable to witness sponsored social media campaigns and newspaper publications designed to inject tribal sentiments and sow discord within the Force. Such maneuvers do not serve the national interest; rather, they regress to an old, divisive era of playing the victim to maintain the status quo. In this era of Renewed Hope, Nigeria must remain committed to meritocracy and institutional integrity, prioritizing the safety of citizens over the noise of online dissent.
