President Bola Tinubu yesterday charged the acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to make the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, as the country grapples with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
The President, who personally decorated Disu on Wednesday, with his new rank at the State House, Abuja, said the appointment comes at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” expressing confidence in the new police chief’s ability to restore public confidence in the Force.
“The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met 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.
The President, 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.
Tinubu outlined specific expectations for the new police chief, emphasising discipline, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration.
“I expect you to strengthen the 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.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, the President assured Disu of his full support.
“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 urged the new IGP to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony.
“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 outgoing IGP, Tinubu expressed gratitude for his service while linking his legacy to the success of his successor.
“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, 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.
The decoration ceremony, which took place at 4:00 pm at the President’s office, had in attendance Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.
Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, marking the formal transfer of leadership of Africa’s largest police force.
In his response the new Acting IGP Disu assured that he would strive to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.
