On The Appointment Of AIG Disu As IGP

By

Inyali Peter

The appointment of AIG Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun has sparked heated debate on social media. Critics claim the move prioritizes ethnicity over seniority, especially since several Deputy Inspectors-General (notably, DIG Frank Mba from South East) were bypassed, forcing retirements to accommodate the new IGP

But the facts cut through the noise. At least two people from the South West are currently serving as DIGs, yet none was selected. If ethnicity alone drove the decision, one of them would have been the clear frontrunner.

DIG Mba isn’t the only high-flyer overlooked. Multiple DIGs were bypassed, too. I recall my articles on Mba’s meteoric rise from Commissioner of Police to DIG in under three years, including a leap from AIG to DIG in just one. I had argued that if he was not from a particular part of the country, such a rise would have led to heavy criticism.

Appointing IGP from AIG is not a new thing in Nigeria. Presidents have repeatedly elevated AIGs directly to the ranks of IGP. For instance, Mohammed Adamu (2019-201) was appointed from the rank of AIG in charge of Zone 5 to the rank of IGP. Ibrahim Idris (2016 – 2019) was appointed from AIG in charge of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Similarly, Solomon Arase (2015 – 2016) was appointed from AIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau. Suleiman Abba (2014 – 2015) was appointed from AIG in charge of Zone 7 (Abuja). Mohammed Dikko Abubakar (2012 – 2014) was appointed from AIG in charge of Zone 12 (Bauchi). Hafiz Ringim (2010 – 2012) was appointed from AIG in charge of Zone 9 (Umuahia).

When these appointments were made, DIGs retired, and hierarchy realigned.

Why the twist into a “first-time outrage” for political gain? What if raw competence prevailed? Was what guided the president ? President Tinubu has consistently demonstrated unmatched skills in spotting, grooming, and empowering top talent. What if this is one of such instances?