President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged the acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to restore peace and strengthen security nationwide.
Mr Tinubu gave the charge at the swearing-in and decoration of Mr Disu at the State House, Abuja.
“For you to assume this responsibility, I know your record,” Mr Tinubu said.
“I believe in the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” he added.
Mr Tinubu described the appointment as coming at a defining moment for national security.
He stated, “You assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security. I expect you to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration and restore peace.”
The president urged him to rebuild public confidence in the police.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains our highest priority,” Mr Tinubu said.
“It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word; you have my full support,” he added.
Tinubu said Nigeria was confronted with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities.
“You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them. Nigeria will prevail,” he said.
The president also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” he said.
Responding, Mr Disu thanked Mr Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.
He stated, “It came at a time I was not expecting it. I thank the president for finding me fit to be appointed as Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
He told journalists that the president’s remarks about his career were deeply moving.
He said, “It shows the president took his time to monitor officers working across the country. It is a challenge for me to do what I am known for.”
Mr Disu pledged to prioritise citizens’ welfare and police professionalism.
He said, “I’m going to let my men know that the citizens are the bosses. No police anywhere can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”
He promised zero-tolerance for corruption and impunity within the force.
“I will ensure they follow human rights and maintain a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” Mr Disu .
He acknowledged the extant security challenges and promised to boost morale to tackle insurgency and other threats.
“All I need to do is channel their morale and thoughts to make things better,” he said.
(NAN)