President Bola Tinubu is presiding over a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Monday’s meeting commenced at approximately 2:15 pm following the President’s arrival at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.
The session is being held in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which mandates the Police Council to deliberate on the appointment before the President forwards the nominee’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
In a statement issued last Tuesday announcing the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Presidency indicated that the council would soon be convened.
“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in the statement.
Chaired by the President, the Police Council comprises the 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.
Sources within the Presidency and the police hierarchy confirmed the meeting ahead of Monday’s sitting.
“The Police Council Meeting is on Monday,” one source disclosed.
Another official familiar with the President’s schedule added, “Yes, we are meeting on Monday. The usual time for FEC meetings is 12:00 or 1:00 pm.”
In attendance are Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Head of the Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack.
Governors from Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Lagos states are also present, alongside the Deputy Governor of Kogi State and the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs and Interior.
Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since Wednesday, following Egbetokun’s departure.
Although Egbetokun cited “family issues” in his resignation letter, reports indicate he was summoned to the Presidential Villa and asked to step down. Sources alleged that his removal was linked to disagreements over the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection duties, opposition to state policing, a major security reform championed by Tinubu and claims of vindictive conduct toward colleagues, including Disu.
During Disu’s decoration ceremony, Tinubu charged him with strengthening the Nigeria Police Force.
“Today, we hand you the responsibility of leading the Nigeria Police Force at a critical time in our nation’s journey.
“You must lead with integrity, prioritise the welfare of your officers, and work tirelessly to restore confidence in the police as a force for good,” the President said.
A native of Lagos Island, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University and master’s degrees in Public Administration as well as Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology.
Like his predecessor, Disu worked closely with Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor from 1999 to 2007. While Egbetokun served as Chief Security Officer, Disu was the Governor’s Aide-de-Camp.
If confirmed by the Senate, Disu will become the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police.
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