- Tunji Disu described his appointment as emotional and pledged to justify the President’s confidence in him.
- He said citizens are the “boss” and stressed that effective policing depends on their cooperation.
- Disu also declared the era of impunity over, promising zero tolerance for corruption.
Acting Inspector General of Police (Ag. IGP) Tunji Disu has declared the era of impunity in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over, adding that he will stamp human rights abuses out of the force.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Pesident Tinubu appointed Disu as the new police chief on Tuesday and he assumed the office on Wednesday.
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Speaking to reporters, the new IGP said his immediate priority would be to reorient officers to see citizens as their “boss,” stressing that effective policing depends on public cooperation and improved welfare for personnel.
Here is his full interview with journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja after he took over leadership of the police:
What does this appointment mean to you?
The appointment means a lot to me. It means a lot to me because I have the love of my profession, the love of the country. And it came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimity, to see me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of Police.
The President seems to believe so much in you. He spoke glowingly of you, of your career. He knows a lot about your past. So what does this do in form of encouragement towards the assignments you have at hand?
The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me and almost brought me to tears. It shows the President takes his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country. And then it shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for and ensure that I bring peace, recognition and calm to the country.
What would be your top priority for Nigeria?
One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizens of the country are the boss. It’s very, very important for them to know that no police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public. I’m going to ensure that I take their welfare into consideration because people who are motivated put in their best.
So what charge will you be giving to your men and officers for the public to know and key into your vision for police?
I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption. And most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.
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And most importantly, again, the country is facing a particular problem now; issues of banditry, insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hardworking people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make it better.
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