…gives him full backing to crush criminals
…My priority is to end insecurity, build officers’ morale – Disu
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged Tunji Disu, the acting inspector-general of police (IGP), to lead with discipline and rebuild public trust in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The president spoke at the State House on Wednesday during the decoration of Disu with his new rank as the acting IGP, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
Tinubu also called on the new acting IGP to confront the escalating threats of banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities across the country head-on.
“I expect you to strengthen the discipline, enhance interagency collaboration, and restore public confidence in Nigeria police,” the president said.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority.”
Tinubu praised Disu as a “straightforward individual, committed and respected,” with sufficient discipline, urging him to draw from Egbetokun’s experience and “make it better than you met it.”
“Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” he said.
“You’ll be 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.”
The president appreciated Egbetokun for his “dedication in service” and “good leadership attributes” in maintaining law and order.
“Nigeria is a grateful nation to you,” he said.
“You have not succeeded without a good successor. Therefore, the success of a Tunji Disu IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility.”
He added that the appointment was coming at a defining moment for national security.
“You have my full support to crush criminal elements across the country. You assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security.
“I expect you to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration and restore peace,” he said.
My priority is to end insecurity, build officers’ morale – Disu, new IGP
Meanwhile, the new Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, on Tuesday, took over the mantle of office with a vow to strengthen the morale of members of the Police Force, to enable them tackle insecurity.
Disu speaking shortly after taking his oath of office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, before President Bola Tinubu, at the Council Chambers.
Disu who noted that his appointment came at the time he wasn’t expecting it, he 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.
“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.
“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 to the country.
Speaking on his priority, Disu said he will strengthen the morale of the Police officers as well as tackle corruption in the force to ensure peace across the country.
He also expressed the need to build stronger relationships with the citizens and men of the Nigeria Police
“My top priority is the first lecture I’m going to have with my men. I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country and the boss.
“It’s very, very important for them to know that 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.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights.
“I will ensure they follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption, and most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public”.
Disu who acknowledged that the country is facing insurgency, added however, that the police officers have been doing their best,
” They are hard working people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make everything better”
Disu who took over at the IGP on Tuesday, had arrived at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to complete the process of assumption of office, accompanied by his close family members.
Kayode Egbetokun, the outgoing IGP, was also sighted entering to join the guests.
Disu was later decorated as the Acting IGP, by the President in the presence of the guests.
Recall that Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy had on Tuesday, announced that President Bola Tinubu, has accepted the resignation of the out gone Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following the submission of his letter and “citing pressing family considerations.”
The President, while accepting the resignation, expressed his profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.
He also acknowledged his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.
Onanuga said, “In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.
Salient Times gathered that members of the Police Council are also part of the team that witnessed Disu’s inauguration as the new IGP
