My appointment took me off-guard – IGP Disu, vows zero tolerance for impunity

ABUJA — AFTER his swearing-in as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police IGP by President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa, Abuja which was barely 48 days to his retirement, the acting IGP, Olatunji Disu, said that his appointment took him by surprise but fills him with gratitude to the President.

IGP Disu also said that the first gospel he was going to deliver to officers and men of the police force is that the era of impunity is gone.

Speaking to State House correspondents, after the brief swearing-in ceremony and his decoration to his new IGP rank, he promised to make the welfare of police offers a top priority.

Asked what the appointment meant to him, IGP Disu said: “It came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimity to see me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of Police.”

Disu, whose career highlights—from successful operations to nationwide postings—were spotlighted by Tinubu during the appointment, described the President’s words as deeply emotional.

The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I have worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” he said.

He interpreted Tinubu’s endorsement as both recognition and a direct challenge: “It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country, and then it shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace, recognition, and order to the country.”

Asked on what should be his top priorities, the acting IGP said protection of citizens, welfare of officers and discipline, adding that public cooperation is non-negotiable.

“My top priority… I’m going to talk to them (police officers and men), let them know that the citizen of the country is the boss,” he declared.

No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public. I’m going to ensure that I take their welfare into consideration, because people who are motivated put in their best.”

Disu read a riot act to his men to end impunity, uphold human rights, and root out corruption.

“The area of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” he pledged.

He repeatedly stressed public partnership: “Most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”

He also vowed to tackle banditry head-on as Nigeria is grappling with banditry and insurgency, just as he praised his officers’ efforts while promising sharper focus.

The country is facing a particular problem now, issue of banditry insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hardworking people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make things better. I appreciate that.”

Culled from vanguard