Tinubu’s IGP Choice Based On Merit, Tradition — Analyst

A political analyst, Chinedu Eze, has described the appointment of Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as Nigeria’s 23rd indigenous police chief as a decision rooted in merit, institutional tradition and operational competence.

In an analysis released on Sunday, Eze said the endorsement trailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision reflects confidence in Disu’s professional record within security circles and among members of the public.

He argued that the appointment reinforces meritocracy within the Nigeria Police Force, noting that Disu’s career spans operational command, intelligence-led policing, administrative leadership and international peacekeeping engagements.

According to Eze, the President’s decision is consistent with longstanding institutional practice within the Force, particularly the tradition requiring senior officers to retire when a junior officer is elevated to the position of Inspector-General.

He traced the practice to 1964 during the tenure of Louis Edet, Nigeria’s first indigenous IGP, and noted that several appointments since 1981 followed a similar pattern.

Eze cited instances such as the appointments of Sunday Adewusi in 1981 and Etim Inyang in 1983, both of whom rose to the position from the rank of Assistant Inspector-General, with senior officers stepping aside in line with established tradition.

“Out of about 18 IGP appointments since 1981, only a few emerged from the rank of Deputy Inspector-General, yet the culture of orderly succession and voluntary retirement by seniors has remained intact,” he stated.

Addressing concerns over seniority within the Force, Eze referenced comparative career timelines, noting that as of October 21, 2013, both Frank Mba and Disu held the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police, but that Disu ranked higher on the staff list at the time.

He noted that subsequent accelerated promotions had generated debate in some quarters, particularly where questions of seniority were raised.

Eze described criticism of Disu’s appointment as largely driven by vested interests and cautioned against politicising or ethnicising the issue.

“The Presidency is justified in prioritising a proven operational commander, especially at a time when Nigeria requires coordinated, intelligence-driven policing to tackle evolving security challenges,” he said.

He also warned against campaigns capable of creating division within the Force, stressing that such actions could undermine institutional cohesion.

Highlighting Disu’s professional background, Eze listed his previous roles, including SARS Commander in multiple states, Divisional Police Officer in Rivers State, Head of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, and leader of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja.

He also referenced Disu’s service as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and leadership positions at the Special Protection Unit and the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

According to Eze, the depth of Disu’s operational and investigative experience positions him to lead the Nigeria Police Force at a critical period.

He maintained that national focus should remain on strengthening internal security and safeguarding lives and property.