Chizoba Ogbeche
The Police Service Commission (PSC), Thursday, approved the appointment of two Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), just as the Commission approved the promotion of Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, to the next rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
This is as a delegation of the Police Management Team led by DIG Mohammed Dan Mallam, on Wednesday, joined the management of the Commission at its corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja to officially bid some members of the Commision farewell.
A press statement by PSC Head, Media and Publicity, Ikechukwu Ani, noted that 14,052 Police Inspectors were also received promotions.
“Before the Valedictory session, the Commission had continued with its ongoing 21st Plenary Meeting where it approved the appointment of two DIGs, promotion of CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, to the next rank of ACP and the confirmation of 9,016 unconfirmed Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).
“The Plenary also approved the promotion of 14,052 Inspectors to Assistant Superintendents of Police (unconfirmed), while one Inspector Habila Bulus was promoted to ASP 11 for his gallantry and commitment to duty.
“Also Inspector Mohammed Aminu, who trended on social media being assaulted in uniform by Seun Kuti, was also promoted to ASP.
“The Commission noted that inspite of the unwarranred provocation, intimidation and serious assult Aminu exhibited a high level of professionalism, restraint and chose to follow the due process of law to seek redress.
“CP. Olalaye Falaye former Commissioner of Police Ebonyi State Command was earlier promoted to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police after the Commission had approved the adjustment of his position in the seniority list.”
Ani noted that, “Speaking at the Valedictory Session for the out going Commissioners, PSC Chairman, IGP Solomon Arase (retd.), who presided over the ceremony said they were worthy of celebration for standing tall and strong in the midst of obvious disquiet “which hitherto characterised the activities of the Commission and held the forte of the Commission down when it seemed it would disintegrate”.
“Dr. Arase noted that the outgoing Commissioners jointly lifted and positioned the Commission where ” it is today despite challenges and the characterising conflict between the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force”.
The Chairman made it clear that he will consistently reach out to them whenever the Commission requires their expertise.”
The spokesperson noted that, “The Permanent Secretary of the Commission Dr. Ifeoma Adaora Anyanwutaku, in her remarks, said their legacies for the Commission were quite laudable and cannot be erased in the history of the Commission; you have left indelible foot prints in the Commission, never to be forgotten.”
He said Dr. Anyanwutaku appealed to all the outgoing members not to close their doors to the Commission as it would continue to reach out to consult and tap from their wealth of experience, wisdom and knowledge.
Ani listed the Commissioners that exited to include; Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi representing the Judiciary and the North-east zone, AIG Lawal Bawa (retd.), representing the Police and North-west zone, Mr. Austin Braimoh, representing the Media and the South-south zone; Hajia Najatu Mohammed representing Women; and Rommy Mom, representing the Organised Human Rights Organisations and the North-central zone.
He said, “Earlier at the Plenary Meeting, the Commission approved the appointment of AIG Matthew Akinyosola in charge of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) as DIG to fill in the position vacated by the acting Inspector General of Police who had represented the South-west zone in the Police Management Team.
“DIG Akinyosola tenure ended on July 1, 2023 when he retired from Service paving way for the Commission to appoint AIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, AIG Zone 12, Bauchi, DIG representing the South West from July 1, 2023.
The spokesperson said Arase charged the newly promoted officers to see their promotion as a call to greater commitment to the service of their fatherland.
“He noted that benefits and burden go together and warned that the police officers must respect the human rights of the citizens as any officer who goes against this will face serious consequences adding that officers who conduct themselves within the tenents of the law will continue to enjoy the support and protection of the Commission.
“The Chairman declared that the welfare of the Officers will remain paramount in the agenda of the of the Commission.
“Dr. Arase said this is the time for all hands to be on deck for a national rebirth.
“We must support this government to succeed and ensuring a secured and peaceful nation is a task we must not toy with.”