The Nigeria Police Council is now convening under the direction of President Bola Tinubu to formally evaluate Olatunji Disu's nomination as a substantive Inspector-General of Police. The meeting reportedly started when Tinubu showed up at the State House's Council Chamber today in Abuja at around 2:15 p.m. The meeting meets with the Police Act 2020's requirements, which provide that before the President sends the nominee's name to the Senate for confirmation, the Police Council must review the appointment.
The Presidency had stated that the council would meet soon in its statement last Tuesday announcing the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
"President Tinubu will call a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council soon to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020. Following this, his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation," stated Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
The Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and all 36 state governors make up the Police Council, which is presided over by the President.
Two senior officials from the police establishment and the presidency confirmed the planned meeting to our correspondent on Sunday. One of the individuals stated, "The Police Council Meeting is on Monday."
"Yes, we are meeting on Monday," stated the second person, who was also aware of the president's agenda. FEC meetings typically take place at 12:00 or 1:00 pm.
The governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo, and Lagos are in attendance, along with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu, and Head of Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack.
Along with the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs, and Interior Ministers, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State is also there.
Since his appointment on Wednesday in the wake of Egbetokun's departure, Disu, 59, has been acting.
Despite formally citing "family issues" in his letter of resignation, Saturday PUNCH revealed that the former IGP was called to the Presidential Villa on Monday night and told he had to resign.
This newspaper was informed by multiple sources that Egbetokun was dismissed due to his alleged retaliatory behavior toward coworkers, including Disu, his opposition to state policing, a key security reform supported by Tinubu, and his refusal to comply with the President's order to remove police officers from VIP protection duties.
President Tinubu charged Disu with making the Nigeria Police Force "better, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of Nigerians" during his decoration ceremony.
"At a pivotal moment in the history of our country, we entrust you with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force today.
The President declared, "You must lead with integrity, prioritize the welfare of your officers, and work tirelessly to restore confidence in the police as a force for good."
On May 18, 1992, Disu, a native of Lagos Island, enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force.
He graduated from Lagos State University with a bachelor's degree in English education and a master's degree in public administration, criminology, security, and legal psychology.
Similar to Egbetokun, Disu worked for Tinubu from 1999 to 2007, when he was the governor of Lagos State.
Disu was the Aide-de-Camp, while Egbetokun was the Chief Security Officer.
Disu will become the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police upon Senate confirmation.