The Ndigbo Young Professionals (NYP) have risen in strong defence of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, over recent special promotions in the Nigeria Police Force, stating that the exercise was grounded in transparency and merit, not ethnic bias or favouritism.
In a statement issued on Monday in Akwa and signed by its National Coordinator, Ambassador Chukwumeka Chinonso, the group decried what it described as “false insinuations” aimed at questioning the integrity of the IGP and the professionalism of newly promoted officers.
The NYP specifically rejected attempts to cast aspersions on the character and credentials of officers such as Bukola Kuti and Yemisi Ademosu, who were unfairly portrayed by critics as mere “sidekicks” of the police chief. “These officers are not sidekicks. They are accomplished professionals whose records of service and integrity are well documented,” the statement noted.
Ambassador Chinonso emphasised that under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, the Nigeria Police Force has witnessed a renewed commitment to institutional reforms, where promotion is increasingly based on merit, performance, and dedication to duty.
“The recent special promotions approved by the Police Service Commission were part of the IGP’s ongoing efforts to reward excellence and inspire professional standards. These are not political favours but institutional recognitions of service,” he stated.
The NYP urged members of the public to avoid politicising what is essentially a professional and administrative process, warning that such unfounded criticisms only serve to undermine ongoing reform efforts in the Force.
“We fully support IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to building a credible, professional, and forward-looking police institution. Nigeria needs institutions that thrive on fairness and merit, not divisive narratives rooted in ethnic sentiment,” Chinonso added.
The group also applauded officers like PSO1, CP Lateef Ahmed, Force PRO, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, PSO3, ACP Bukola Kuti, and DSP Yemisi Ademosu, commending them for their “consistent dedication to public service and national security”.
“Excellence knows no tribe,” the NYP concluded, “and under the current IGP, the Nigeria Police Force is embracing a future where competence, not connection, is the path to advancement.”
