By Vivian Adama
In the wake of the recent accelerated promotions in the Nigeria Police Force, a predictable storm has been stirred, not by the public, but by certain media outlets bent on peddling selective outrage.
Notably, Sahara Reporters has once again chosen the path of sensationalism over balanced journalism, zeroing in on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bukola Kuti in a manner that raises more questions about motives than it answers about facts.
ACP Bukola Kuti is one of 37 officers recently elevated through an accelerated promotion process that strictly adhered to the Police Service Commission (PSC) Guidelines and the Federal Public Service Rules. Curiously, while several of her male colleagues, such as Ganiyu Adebowale, Oluwole Ogunwusi, Olusoji Obideyi, Awe Vincent, etc, who also serve within the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Secretariat, were similarly promoted, Sahara Reporters found no issue with their elevation. Instead, the media platform has chosen to single out Kuti in what appears to be a deliberate and calculated smear campaign.
At its core, this appears less about the process of promotion and more about a personal vendetta.
Sahara Reporters has a history of launching unprovoked attacks against certain individuals, often disguising conjecture as fact and personal bias as investigative journalism.
In the case of ACP Bukola Kuti, their persistent targeting is not only unprofessional but also revealing.
The fact that no negative coverage has been extended to her equally, promoted male counterparts in the same Secretariat suggests a deeper, possibly gendered or personal bias.
One cannot ignore the broader implications of this pattern: the continued undermining of competent female officers in the force.
ACP Bukola Kuti’s promotion was not a product of favouritism but of merit, based on competence, capacity, and an unblemished record of service. If anything, the negative press directed at her reveals the kind of systemic bias many women face when they rise through the ranks on merit.
Moreover, Sahara Reporters’ fixation on Bukola Kuti distracts from the important work of reforming and professionalising the police force.
Rather than applauding the appointment of competent officers, especially within sensitive and strategic postings like the IGP Secretariat, they have chosen to fan the flames of unnecessary controversy.
This undermines public trust not only in the police force but in the institutions responsible for fair administrative advancement.
If Sahara Reporters is truly concerned about transparency in promotions, they should present a balanced critique, not a selective attack.
Their failure to scrutinize other staff officers of the IGP Secretariat who were promoted alongside Kuti is a glaring inconsistency that discredits their narrative.
The bottom line is this: ACP Bukola Kuti’s promotion is lawful, deserved, and in line with established regulations. Any attempt to taint it with baseless allegations or insinuations of favouritism only serves to expose the ulterior motives of her detractors.
Nigerians should reject such biased reporting and stand behind merit, professionalism, and gender equity in public service.
It is high time we call out one-sided journalism for what it is: a disservice to truth, fairness, and national progress.
Vivian Adama writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
