The National Police Council has approved the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this after the council met at the State House in Abuja on Monday. The meeting lasted about 40 minutes.
“Yes, they have unanimously endorsed Disu as IGP,” Onanuga said.
The session began at about 2:15 pm when President Tinubu arrived at the Council Chamber.
The meeting was held in line with the Police Act 2020, which mandates the Police Council to consider the appointment of an Inspector-General of Police.
Last Tuesday, while announcing the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Presidency indicated that the council would soon be convened to deliberate on Disu’s appointment.
“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation,” Onanuga had stated.
The Police Council is chaired by the President. Its members include the 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.
On Sunday, senior officials within the Presidency and the police hierarchy confirmed that the meeting would take place on Monday.
“The Police Council Meeting is on Monday,” one source said.
Another official familiar with the President’s itinerary added, “Yes, we are meeting on Monday. The usual time for FEC meetings is 12:00 or 1:00 pm.”
Those present at the meeting included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Head of the Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack.
Governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Lagos States attended. The Deputy Governor of Kogi State was also in attendance. Ministers responsible for the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs and Interior were present.
Disu, 59, had served in an acting capacity since Wednesday after Egbetokun stepped down.
Although Egbetokun cited “family issues” in his resignation letter, reports indicated that he was summoned to the Presidential Villa on Monday evening and informed that he had to vacate the office.
