The Inspector General of Police, IGP Dr. Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Friday has issued a stern warning to unscrupulous officers who are attempting to undermine NPF merit-based promotion system, for personal gain. He urge them to cease lobbying for special promotions through influential persons and external forces.
IGP Egbetokun gave this warning while decorating newly promoted senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, which include; one Deputy Inspector-General of Police; 9 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and 15 Commissioners of Police.
The Decorated DIG is Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Yahaya Sahabo Abubakar. Decorated Assistant Inspectors General of Police include AIGs Ahmed Ammani, Dankwara Adamu Mohammed, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, fdc, Idegwu Basil Okuoma, Zachariah Fera Achinyan, fdc, Zango Ibrahim Baba, Isyaku Mohammed, and Margaret Agebe Ochalla.
Meanwhile, the decorated Commissioners of Police are CPs Bassey Samuel Ewah, Osagie John Agans-Irabor, Edem Ita Selong, Monday Agbonika, fdc, Michael Okoh, Ayodele Oluyemi Sonubi, Iyamah Daniel Edobor, Isah Danladi Nda, Akaniyene Ifebem Ezima, Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, Bello Rashid Afegbua, Hycenth Azuka Edozie, Haruna Alaba Yahaya, Peter Ozigi Umoru, and Ayotunde Godwin Omodeinde, mnips.
Speaking at the decoration ceremony, the IGP decried the alarming rate in which pressures for undue Special promotion increased, stressing that since the inception of the current Police administration under his leadership, he has been committed to the standardization of the promotion process within the Force.
In his word "From now on, severe disciplinary action will be taken against any officer found guilty of soliciting underserved promotions through illicit means, masquerading as special promotions. This also applies to officers soliciting preferential posting.
He said the current promotion exercise, like those preceding it under this administration, adheres strictly to the fundamental principles of seniority and merit.
"I wish to reaffirm unequivocally that our promotion process will continue to be transparent and fair to all our officers. No officer eligible for promotion will be denied their rightful advancement.
"At the outset of this administration, we announced the suspension of Special Promotions to ensure a fair, equitable and transparent Promotion process.
"While we acknowledge that exceptional circumstances may warrant special promotions, we will take appropriate and expedient action when necessary. We will revisit this decision at the right time and make exceptions where deserved, balancing individual merit with the need for a fair and equitable process." he warned
The IGP Egbetokun also congratulated the newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and Commissioners of Police.
"This marks the Commencement of an exciting chapter in your professional journeys. I remind you that promotions are earned by those who maintain unwavering focus on their objectives. Wear your new ranks with pride, and let them serve as constant reminders of the trust and confidence reposed in you.
"Strive daily to meet the high standards expected of you. Lead with courage, act with integrity, and serve with dedication. Remember, Promotions may come and go, but your hard work will leave a lasting legacy.
"Also, recognize that you are supervisors and trainers of men; all subordinate officers look to you for guidance and mentorship. The quality of your decisions, actions, and inactions will determine the quality of the training you impart to them."
He urged them to continue working conscientiously together to make the Force a symbol of pride and excellence.
