By Adewole Kehinde
It is quite laughable that former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who has consistently thrived on sensationalism and negativity, has once again found a new target, this time, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to retain key members of his security architecture, including the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Sowore’s comments dismissing the President’s well-thought-out security appointments as “proof that Tinubu is not serious about changing the country’s security situation” are not only reckless but also expose his deep-seated bias and lack of understanding of how governance works.
Let’s be clear: Sowore has no moral or political right to dictate to President Tinubu who should or should not remain in his cabinet. The decision on who to retain or replace in the security sector lies solely with the President, who has the constitutional prerogative and intelligence briefings that guide such decisions.
Sowore’s attempt to question this authority is not borne out of patriotism but a desperate ploy to stay relevant through controversy.
It is also important to address Sowore’s false claim that IGP Egbetokun is an “illegal Inspector-General of Police.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s appointment followed due process, in accordance with constitutional provisions and existing regulations governing such positions.
The persistent efforts by certain disgruntled elements to tag him as “illegal” are baseless and reflect a coordinated smear campaign aimed at discrediting one of the most reform-minded police chiefs Nigeria has seen in recent times.
President Tinubu has demonstrated absolute confidence in IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, which is why he has chosen to retain him. The Inspector-General has been instrumental in strengthening the national security architecture, reforming policing methods, and promoting professionalism and accountability within the force. His administration has prioritised community policing, intelligence-driven operations, and internal discipline — measures that have begun yielding tangible results across the country.
Sowore’s so-called “public calls for the removal of IGP Egbetokun” are, in reality, the voices of those bad elements within and outside the police who are uncomfortable with the sweeping anti-corruption reforms taking root under the current leadership.
These are individuals whose illicit channels of influence and corruption have been blocked and who now resort to blackmail and propaganda as their only weapons. Unfortunately for them, their schemes have continued to fail at every step.
Sowore is merely echoing the frustrations of these vested interests. His statements are not about improving national security but about undermining credible leadership for cheap political gain. Nigerians can see through this charade.
The truth is that IGP Egbetokun remains one of the pillars in Nigeria’s current security framework, working tirelessly alongside other service chiefs to stabilise the nation.
His leadership has brought renewed discipline to the Nigeria Police Force, curbed excesses, and restored a measure of public confidence in law enforcement.
Rather than engaging in baseless attacks, Sowore should learn to appreciate progress when he sees it. Constructive criticism is welcome in a democracy, but unfounded accusations and politically motivated rhetoric do nothing but discredit the messenger. President Tinubu’s confidence in IGP Egbetokun is well-placed, and Nigerians are better off for it.
In the end, no amount of propaganda from blackmailers masquerading as activists will derail the ongoing reforms within the security sector. The days of politicising Nigeria’s security leadership for selfish interests are long gone.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
