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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
He also administered oaths of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two from the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies, held just before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, drew ministers, senior government officials, and family members of the appointees.
The FEC commenced immediately afterward, with a strong turnout including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, and Head of the Civil Service Esther Walson-Jack. Most ministers were also present.
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Speaking to State House Correspondents afterward, the new IGP addressed potential protests amid global tensions, affirmed state police had come to stay, and vowed to prioritise officers’ welfare. “Everywhere in the world, we are aware that this is what we call intelligence policing. Our ears are to the ground. We know we have groups of people, different kinds of Islamic sects in Nigeria. We have those who pay allegiance to this eastern part of the world as well. So we know if anything happens in the eastern part of the world, the repercussions will come to us. So we are taking all necessary actions. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take laws and orders into their own hands.”
On his approach, he said: “I made up my mind to ensure that my officers get to know that we are working for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the citizens of the country are our bosses.”
On the committee he set up to review state police, Disu explained: “We don’t want it to seem as if others are taking decisions, and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything. We want to ensure that the best thing is done. State police have come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership.”
On longstanding welfare concerns for officers, he stressed: “It is somebody that is well motivated that will put in their best. Our jobs are very difficult. Some few years ago, when I was Commissioner of Police FCT, I was bold enough to announce that we lost 140 policemen just in a year. So the jobs are difficult. Men sleep out. A lot of people don’t have time to go back to their families. So, welfare is very, very vital, and I’m lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us whatever we want.”
