A New Era for Nigeria’s Police Force
The Louis Edet House, the national headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, experienced a dramatic shift last Tuesday. What began as an ordinary day was suddenly disrupted when news spread that the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had either been removed or had resigned. By the time the sun set, the speculation turned into confirmation: Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, was named as his successor.
Disu’s appointment sent shockwaves through both the corridors of power and the public imagination. His elevation, despite bypassing several senior colleagues, especially Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, was seen as a bold move that reflected political calculations as much as professional merit. Headlines celebrated the audacity of the decision, while social media buzzed with hope and anticipation.
His friends—including those in the media, family members, associates, ex-schoolmates, and political figures—were quick to celebrate. Success, they say, has many friends, while failure is an orphan. However, behind the applause lies a sober truth: Nigeria’s policing challenges are immense, and the clock is already ticking on a leader whose supporters are as impatient as they are hopeful.
The Politics Behind the Appointment
The question on many lips concerns the politics behind Disu’s emergence. There is no rule that dictates the most senior officer after the outgoing IG must be the successor. This is not the first time an IG has been chosen ahead of his seniors, and it may not be the last. Only the appointing authority can fully explain why he was selected over more senior officers. One thing, however, is certain—the choice was not necessarily a verdict on the incompetence of the seniors who were bypassed.
Possible factors behind his emergence may include a reformist image, perceived neutrality, political calculations, or alignment with the current leadership’s priorities. The implication is that the development sends a clear message about merit, loyalty, or the intended direction of the police force.
Public and Institutional Reactions
Public and institutional reactions have been mixed. While there have been criticisms, there have also been commendations. Some express skepticism about his experience relative to the seniors bypassed, alongside concerns about whether he can confront entrenched systemic issues such as corruption, inefficiency, and human rights concerns.
Those who are comfortable with him and his appointment have been heaping praise on him for his perceived reformist credentials. He is being seen and projected as energetic, tech-savvy, and community-oriented.
However, the line between hype and reality is very thick. Early praise can be double-edged; public and political actors are watching closely. Those hailing him have different expectations—expectations they believe must be met, and quickly too. I will not dwell on those whose expectations revolve around personal benefits. The truth is that those in that category are more than enough, and they surround him, even within the system. When expectations involving money, promotions, contracts, turning a blind eye to misconduct, and other forms of patronage are not met, such individuals will change their tune without disclosing the real reason behind their sudden U-turn.
Expectations and Challenges
I am more concerned about those whose expectations are anchored on national interest—those who genuinely want to see a reformed police force and an improved security situation across the country. Of course, there is no new IG who will not promise these and more. Egbetokun did. Disu has done so as well. But if the new IG feels he has ample time to deliver, he is not facing reality. He needs to move quickly beyond the frenzy. He must close his eyes and ears to praise-singing, which can be as counterproductive as it is distracting. He should roll up his sleeves, if he has not already done so, and get to work. Otherwise, those who are singing Hosanna behind him today may soon be shouting, “Crucify him.”
Impatience is growing among those who have hailed him; the honeymoon period is short—shorter than he may know or expect. I would be surprised if he pretends not to recognize that expectations are high. Any misstep or delay in reform will quickly erode support. For any IG—or any public officeholder, for that matter—performance remains the true test.
A Call for Action
Without further delay, Disu should prioritize rapid engagement with key police reforms, address public trust deficits, and demonstrate independence and strategic leadership beyond political optics. He must understand that optics, praise, and rhetoric are temporary; sustained action will define his legacy.
The frenzy surrounding Disu’s appointment may be intoxicating—perhaps more intoxicating than strong wine—but it is fleeting. Praise can quickly turn into scrutiny, and patience can give way to restlessness in the blink of an eye. For the new IG, the task ahead is clear: move beyond optics, rhetoric, and political theatre, and deliver tangible results. Reform, accountability, and public trust are not earned through hype; they are built, brick by brick, through action. Nigeria will soon forget the excitement of his arrival if it does not witness the substance of his leadership.
The Road Ahead
The frenzy is temporary; the work is permanent—success depends on decisiveness and delivery. Will IG Olatunji Ridwan Disu rise above the hype, or will impatience become his first adversary? Only time will tell.
