Police Officer Applauds IGP Disu’s Merit-Driven Appointments

Police Officer Applauds IGP Disu’s Merit-Driven Appointments

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

A senior police officer has commended the recent postings carried out by the new Inspector-General of Police, describing them as an indication that professionalism and merit are beginning to take precedence over ethnic considerations within the Nigeria Police Force.

The Public Relations Officer of the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos, Nwode Nkeiruka, praised the approach adopted by the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, saying the pattern of appointments so far reflects a commitment to fairness and competence in leadership decisions.

In a remark that has drawn interest among observers of police reforms, Nkeiruka said the postings signal a shift from the usual emphasis on ethnic balancing to a more professional standard rooted in merit.

She noted that leadership decisions based on competence rather than tribal affiliation would strengthen unity within the ranks and help restore confidence in the Force.

“From the postings made so far by the new IGP, one thing stands out clearly; merit over tribal considerations,” she said.

According to her, such an approach reflects the mindset of a leader determined to build a stronger and more credible policing institution.

Nkeiruka, who is also a project management professional, argued that when officers are assigned responsibilities based on their experience and performance, it enhances both operational effectiveness and internal morale.

She added that a merit-driven system sends a powerful message that the Nigeria Police Force serves the entire nation, irrespective of ethnic background.

Security analysts note that in a diverse country like Nigeria, appointments within critical institutions such as the Nigeria Police Force often attract scrutiny over perceived regional or ethnic bias.

However, they say professional policing institutions worldwide rely heavily on competence-based leadership to effectively address security challenges.

Nkeiruka expressed hope that the current pattern of postings under Disu would continue and gradually translate into broader institutional reforms.

“If this pattern continues, he may well be remembered as the IGP who chose Nigeria over tribal sentiments,” she said.

Observers say the coming months will reveal whether the approach will extend beyond postings to influence wider reforms in accountability, operational efficiency and professionalism within the police.

For many Nigerians, however, the early steps taken by the new police leadership may represent a promising move toward building a more unified and professional force.