In a strongly worded speech at the decoration ceremony for recently promoted officers, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, sent a clear message to critics of ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Police Force: “Your lies will not derail our reforms.”
Speaking at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP reaffirmed his commitment to a merit-based system of professional advancement within the police, stressing that promotions are earned through service, not through gender, ethnic, or religious biases.
“Let me be unequivocal: there is no gender advantage. No ethnic preference. No religious pathway. Only merit,” Egbetokun said, emphasising the integrity of the recently concluded promotion exercise.
Addressing growing criticism from what he described as “a certain corner of social media”, the IGP condemned deliberate attempts to undermine the Force’s progress.
“We know there are those who fear change, who attack progress because it exposes their irrelevance. A certain corner of social media has become a playground for professional mischief-makers and agents of institutional sabotage,” he stated. “They twist facts, malign honourable men, and attempt to discredit noble efforts with shameless dishonesty.”
He warned that sustained provocations would not be tolerated, stressing that the Police Force would take lawful action against those seeking to derail reform efforts.
“Your lies will not derail our reforms. Your noise will not drown our resolve. And your provocations, if sustained, will be met with lawful consequences,” he declared. “The Nigeria Police Force is moving forward, with or without your approval.”
To the newly promoted officers, the IGP underscored the responsibilities that come with elevation in rank, reminding them that the standard has been raised and that higher expectations now follow their new status.
“Your new ranks carry a heavier burden, not just a higher badge… I trust you will rise to meet them, as you have consistently done,” he told the honourees.
He concluded with a broader call to the entire police force, urging every officer to embrace professionalism and excellence.
“The doors of honour are wide open. But they will not be entered with empty hands. Bring your excellence. Bring your discipline. Bring your results.”
Reaffirming his administration’s reform agenda, IGP Egbetokun vowed that the Nigeria Police would continue to evolve until “service becomes synonymous with pride, promotion becomes the outcome of performance, and every officer becomes a beacon of national confidence.”
The event marked yet another milestone in the IGP’s drive to institutionalise meritocracy and restore dignity within the Nigeria Police Force.
