The newly decorated acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, was on Wednesday charged by President Bola Tinubu to make the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, as the country grapples with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
The appointment comes at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” according to the president, who personally presented Disu with his new rank at State House in Abuja. He also expressed confidence in the new police chief’s capacity to rebuild public trust in the force.
“The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you found it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism, and all sorts of criminal activities,” Tinubu stated during the decoration ceremony.
Tinubu, who drew on his personal knowledge of Disu from his tenure as Lagos State Governor, said he believes in the dedication the new IGP exhibited while serving in Lagos.
“I know your record. I believe in the dedication that you’ve exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was the governor of Lagos State.
“Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” the president said.
In his detailed expectations for the new police chief, Tinubu placed a strong focus on professionalism, discipline, and interagency cooperation.
“I expect you to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
“Lead firmly but fairly; demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” he charged.
The president promised Disu his complete cooperation, acknowledging the size of the task at hand.
“It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it.
“You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda.
“You are a straightforward individual, committed and respected. You have sufficient discipline,” Tinubu stated.
The president, who was present at the ceremony, encouraged the new IGP to learn from his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun.
“You can draw from the experience of Kayode Egbetokun, who had been there before you.
“You have been part of the thinking, and you’ve been part of the innovation.
“The challenge as you hold the baton of this leadership is the belief that you will excel and Nigeria will prevail,” he said.
Speaking to the departing IGP, Tinubu thanked him for his service and connected his legacy to his successor’s achievements.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, I extend the gratitude of the entire country.
“Nigeria, we are a grateful nation to you for your dedication in service and expression of good leadership attributes within the Force.
“You have served with commitment and distinction, and Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order in our country,” the president said.
He added, “What you should look back and remember is this: you have not succeeded without a good successor.
“Therefore, the success of Tunji Disu as IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility and the joy you should look forward to.”
Tinubu noted that Disu’s previous role as principal staff officer to Egbetokun positioned him well for the new assignment.
“Having been part of your principal staff officer, I have no doubt he understands the ins and outs of the operation.
“He will only improvise. He’s an operational person from what I know,” the president stated.
In response, Disu promised to uphold the trust placed in him by putting an end to impunity and enforcing zero tolerance for corruption inside the force.
“The president mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, and mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman brought emotion to me, almost bringing me to tears,” Disu told State House correspondents.
He added, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”
The new police boss stressed that Nigerian citizens are the ultimate bosses of the police.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them and let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country, is the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu stated.
