The National Police Council has unanimously approved the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, confirmed the endorsement to our correspondent following the council’s 40-minute meeting at the State House, Abuja.
“Yes, they have unanimously endorsed Disu as IGP,” Onanuga said.
Monday’s session began around 2:15 pm when President Tinubu arrived at the Council Chamber. The meeting was held in line with the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to review such appointments.
In announcing the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun last Tuesday, the Presidency had indicated that the council would soon convene. “In compliance with the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive IGP, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation,” Onanuga had stated.
The Police Council, chaired by the President, includes all 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the IGP.
Ahead of the meeting, two senior officials confirmed the schedule to our correspondent. “The Police Council meeting is on Monday,” one said. A second source added, “Yes, we are meeting on Monday. The usual time for FEC meetings is 12:00 or 1:00 pm.”
Among those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Head of Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack, and the governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo, and Lagos states. The Deputy Governor of Kogi State also attended, alongside the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs, and Interior.
Disu, 59, has been acting IGP since his appointment on Wednesday, following Egbetokun’s exit. Although Egbetokun cited “family issues” in his resignation letter, reports indicated he was summoned to the Presidential Villa on Monday evening and asked to step down.
