By Danjuma Lamido
In recent weeks, a chorus of baseless allegations has emerged from certain quarters, claiming irregularities in the recent promotion exercise within the Nigeria Police Force.
These allegations, in my view, are not only mischievous but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the remarkable strides made under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Let it be clearly stated: there is no promotion scam in the Nigeria Police under IGP Egbetokun.
The promotion of officers and men of the Force, recently approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC), was carried out in a transparent, objective, and merit-based manner.
It is important to understand that the process followed due diligence, was grounded in institutional regulations, and focused strictly on competence, discipline, and service delivery.
The hallmark of IGP Egbetokun’s leadership has been the entrenchment of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
His reform agenda has consistently emphasised a results-oriented approach to policing, where hard work, commitment to duty, and measurable contributions to national security are rewarded, not ethnicity, favouritism, or political loyalty.
Contrary to the noise in the media space, this recent promotion exercise reflects a clear break from past traditions where lobbying and external influence played significant roles.
Officers were promoted based on performance evaluations, years of service, and contributions to community safety, operational success, and intelligence gathering.
It is regrettable that some individuals, possibly motivated by self-interest or past privilege, are uncomfortable with this new order and have chosen to weaponise misinformation to discredit a process that, for once, is truly reflective of meritocracy.
The IGP deserves commendation, not condemnation, for initiating a culture of excellence.
His administration has not only prioritised welfare and training but is also restoring institutional pride by ensuring that promotion is no longer a function of “who you know” but “what you have done”.
Officers who have served gallantly, some in difficult terrains and under dangerous conditions, are finally being recognised for their efforts.
That is the essence of justice and institutional progress. It is time we support this new paradigm instead of undermining it with unfounded allegations.
The Nigeria Police Force is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation.
IGP Egbetokun is at the helm, steering it toward professionalism and transparency. Nigerians must resist the attempt by detractors to derail this progress through cheap blackmail and baseless conspiracy theories.
For the sake of national security and the future of the Force, we must allow merit, not manipulation, to prevail.
Danjuma Lamido is a public affairs analyst and security commentator who writes from Yola, Adamawa.
