As the search for the new Inspector General of Police enters its final phase, indications emerged on Thursday that the Police Service Commission has submitted the files of two Deputy Inspectors Generals, two Assistant Inspector-Generals and a Commissioner of Police to the Presidency for study as possible replacement.
The Eagle Online reports that the submitted names are the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Intelligence, Solomon Erase; Suleiman Abba, the AIG in charge of Zone 7, Abuja; the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration, Suleiman Fakai; the DIG in charge of Operations, Michael Zokumuor; and the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Mbu Joseph Mbu.
According to a source: “President Jonathan is still studying the files and may make a pronouncement any moment from now. But everything right now depends on him.”
Mr. Abubakar is due for retirement on July 31 and will hand over to who is eventually picked by President Goodluck Jonathan.
But in a situation where a new IGP has not been picked before Abubakar leaves office, a DIG will most likely take over the mantle of leadership.
Among the DIGs being considered, Zokumuor, who is from the same Balyesa State as the President, would be retiring next year, while Fakai has about seven years to stay in service. He is from the North West.
Factors against Zokomuor include his early retirement date, and the fact that he originates from the same zone as the Chief of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah.
Also, of the two AIGs that were shortlisted, Erase is believed to be highly educated and an exposed detective who has served as Principal Staff Officer to three past IGPs.
Abba on the other hand is from Niger State in the North Central zone and had served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and was also in Lagos State at a time as the supervising CP during 2007 general elections.
The only Commissioner of Police on the list is former controversial Rivers State CP, Mbu, who is currently the CP of the FCT, and has constantly enjoyed the support of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.
It was gathered that at least 60 senior officers would be retiring by July and if Mbu is selected, over 200 senior police officers would be retired from the force.
Daily Post.
1 comment:
Mbu's antecedent will portray him as unqualified and I believe that consensus will agree with this, especially for various controversies around his persona, professionalism and links to the presidency. More importantly, as analysed above, his candidacy and subsequent appointment will leave a significant skills gap in the rank and file of the Nigerian police. Fakai seems to be the right appointee for various functional geo-political and police experience factors. Let's hope the president makes essential consultation and meaningful choice, giving that the time remaining for the departure of current IGP is very short.
Olubunmi
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