Police Department Announces Promotion of 37 Officers Led by IGP Egbetokun
Controversial Police Promotions in Nigeria Stir Up Ethnic Tensions
In a move that has sparked controversy and division within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has carried out promotions that critics say favor officers of Yoruba origin.
The promotions, which have seen several officers elevated to the ranks of DSP, ASP, ACP, CSP, and SP, have led to allegations of regional bias and ethnic favoritism. Out of the 37 officers promoted, 30 are Yoruba, a disproportionate number that has raised concerns and deepened divisions within the police force.
Among those recommended for promotion are Israel Adebayo Abodunrin, Adeyemi Adekunle Abraham, Ada Audu, Oluwaseyi Hunsu, Pelemoh Shefunmi, Yemisi Ademosu, Amer Daniel, John Godwin, Hauwa Tanko, Aliyu Shaba Lekan, Lydia Inemona Ameh, Odeyeyiwa Oladimeji, Hussaini Yusuf, Garba Ibrahim, Hassan Adamu, Sheriff Atanda, Bukola Yemisi Kuti, Olusoji Abraham Obideyi, Ganiyu A. Adebowale, Dahiru Ibrahim, and others.
However, the rapid rise of certain officers close to Egbetokun, such as his personal staff officer Kuti, has raised concerns about nepotism. Allegations include promotions granted to officers with personal or romantic ties to the IGP, such as Yemisi Ademosu, who was promoted without sitting or passing mandatory exams.
The controversy has caused significant unrest within the NPF, with reports of harassment, internal divisions, and accusations of corruption and loss of morale. The selective and secretive nature of the promotions has deepened mistrust and undermined unity in the force.
The IGP has publicly denied ethnic favoritism claims, defending the promotion process as merit-based and transparent. However, many officers who did not receive promotions claim they met the requirements but were denied due to their non-Yoruba background.
The police spokesman also clarified that some accelerated promotions were for officers with distinguished service. He warned against lobbying for promotions and emphasized that the police force promotes based on contribution rather than connections.
Despite the official dismissals of these claims, the uproar continues, indicating a serious challenge to the integrity and cohesion of the police promotion system. Activist Omoyele Sowore has accused the IGP of concentrating power among ethnic loyalists and cronies, further fuelling the controversy.
In summary, the allegations of regional and ethnic bias, combined with favoritism linked to personal relationships, have generated a crisis of confidence and division within the Nigeria Police Force under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership. The official dismissals of these claims have not quelled the uproar, indicating a serious challenge to the integrity and cohesion of the police promotion system.
Note: This article is based on the provided bullet points and does not contain any additional information or opinions.
References:
- Punch
- Vanguard
- Sahara Reporters
- Daily Trust
The controversial police promotions in Nigeria, led by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, have stirred up not only general-news headlines but also political debates, as critics accuse him of favoring Yoruba officers, exacerbating ethnic tensions within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Activist Omoyele Sowore's accusations of regional and ethnic bias, and allegations of favoritism linked to personal relationships within the force, have fueled a crisis of confidence under Egbetokun's leadership, putting the integrity and cohesion of the NPF's promotion system to the test.
