Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Tunde Disu as acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), saying the move bypassed more senior officers and risks perpetuating nepotism in strategic security appointments.
HURIWA accused the administration of favoring ethnicity over experience, noting that the most senior officer eligible to succeed the dismissed IGP Kayode Egbetokun was overlooked in favor of Disu. The group said the decision underscores a continuing trend of politicized appointments in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Beyond the politics of his appointment, HURIWA has urged the new IGP to confront the entrenched challenges of corruption, indiscipline, and human rights violations that have long plagued the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The group called on Disu to “hit the ground running” by addressing forces within the NPF that erode public trust and undermine effective policing.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement, HURIWA said Disu must prioritize cleaning up police barracks and stations nationwide, ensuring operatives work in hygienic environments, and reviving the moribund human rights desks across all commands.
The group also condemned the continued practice of extrajudicial abductions by the Force Criminal Investigation Department, particularly in states like Anambra, Enugu, and Imo, where citizens are reportedly detained in Abuja after spurious petitions or personal disputes.
HURIWA highlighted a recent incident to illustrate the scale of the problem. Just a day after Disu was decorated, a woman, Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, allegedly faced mistreatment over a contractual dispute with Ebonyi State Minister of Works, David Umahi, reflecting ongoing human rights violations by police operatives.
The new acting IGP, Disu, who was decorated at the State House, Abuja, vowed to end the era of impunity within the NPF. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.” He emphasized that Nigerian citizens, not politicians, are the ultimate bosses of the police and pledged to reorient officers nationwide toward citizen-centered policing.
Disu acknowledged the emotional weight of his appointment, describing President Tinubu’s recognition of his career achievements as both motivating and challenging. On officer welfare, he said he would prioritize motivation to improve performance and channel the dedication of police officers to address nationwide security challenges, including banditry and insurgency.
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However, HURIWA, through National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, dismissed these statements as “typical inaugural promises,” urging Disu to present a concrete blueprint with clear timelines, operational strategies, and measurable indicators to tackle impunity, police brutality, and corruption.
The advocacy group stressed that only through actionable programs and sustained engagement with the public can the IGP rebuild confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. “The IGP should revamp mechanisms for public trust and set up regular dialogue with Nigerians to demonstrate commitment to reform,” the group added.
As Disu begins his tenure, HURIWA’s call underscores the immense expectations on his leadership to address systemic failures and transform the police force into a professional, accountable, and citizen-focused institution.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
