The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has charged newly promoted 13 Assistant Inspector-Generals of Police and 17 Commissioners of Police to wear their ranks with humility, lead by example to younger officers and have zero tolerance for corruption.
The IGP gave the charge at the decoration of senior officers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
“You are now the officers others will look to when circumstances become most difficult. Your composure will become their confidence. Your discipline will become their standard.”
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“I expect you to lead with uncompromising integrity, showing zero tolerance for misconduct, abuse of office and corruption. At the same time, I expect you to lead with humility.”
“The officers under your command are watching not only what you demand of them, but also what you protect them from, what you fight for on their behalf, and whether you see them as people, not merely as personnel,” he stated.
According to him, the promotion is a testament to their professionalism, resilience, dedication and perseverance, while reaffirming commitment to sustaining a promotion system that rewards merit, competence and performance.
On the issue of building public trust, IGP Disu noted that the Nigeria Police Force must continue to build a technology-driven force while building public trust.
“We must continue building a modern, intelligence-led and technology-driven Police Force. But we must never lose sight of what we are doing in order to create safer streets, protect families and build communities that trust us.
“We have earned that trust through fairness, professionalism and respect.
“Public confidence is not a public relations exercise. It is the difference between receiving vital information that saves lives and facing silence that costs lives,” he stated.
Delivering his goodwill message on behalf of the Cross River State Governor, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, congratulated the officers, saying the promotion shows that the officers have distinguished themselves.
He urged them to bring their best as they continue to serve Nigeria and Nigerians.
GENDER INCLUSIVITY
One of the major highlights of the event was the decoration of the only female Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police among them, Betty Otimenyin.
Reacting to AIG Otimenyin’s promotion, the Deputy Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim, called for gender inclusivity in the police force.
“Gender inclusivity, Mr IG sir, amongst all those that have been elevated, we have one female. Of course, better one than none, but my consolation is that I’ve seen promising young female police officers who by the grace of God will also very soon make us proud and be elevated to the various other ranks.”
“But I would like to urge that we have more women involved in policing and other activities in the country because women bring their perspective, they have their strength. We are multitasking by nature and I know that we will contribute immensely, even intelligently when it comes to policing.”
Meanwhile, AIG Betty Otimenyin, while expressing her joy over the promotion, encouraged the girl-child to put in their best in whatever work they are doing, as they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.
“I feel that God has finally done it. And with patience and dedication, the Lord will always grant your efforts. And I want to say that I’m grateful to God, to the Inspector General of Police, and to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
