Pelumi Olajengbesi,Public-interest lawyer, has urged Tunji Disu, the acting Inspector-General of Police, to immediately prioritise the welfare of rank-and-file officers, warning that without improved motivation and working conditions, efforts to tackle rising insecurity across the country may falter.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olajengbesi congratulated Disu on his appointment, describing it as well deserved and a recognition of over three decades of professionalism and dedicated service within the Nigeria Police Force. However, he stressed that the new police chief faces enormous expectations from Nigerians who are eager to see measurable progress in the fight against violent crime, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to national security.
“As the saying goes, the reward for hard work is more work,” Olajengbesi said, adding that Nigerians would not tolerate excuses in addressing the country’s security challenges. He emphasised that improving the welfare of officers must form the cornerstone of Disu’s reform agenda, arguing that morale directly impacts operational effectiveness.
The lawyer called for a comprehensive review of police salaries to reflect current economic realities, noting that many officers struggle to meet basic needs. He also demanded the timely payment of allowances and entitlements, stressing that delays often dampen motivation among personnel deployed to high-risk assignments. Promotions, he said, should be regular and strictly merit-based to encourage professionalism and discipline within the force.
Beyond remuneration, Olajengbesi highlighted the deplorable state of many police barracks nationwide and urged the new IGP to prioritise renovation projects while constructing additional housing units to accommodate officers and their families. He maintained that decent living conditions would not only improve morale but also strengthen officers’ commitment to duty.
Olajengbesi further advocated aggressive recruitment to address what he described as an abysmal police-to-citizen ratio. According to him, the shortage of personnel places undue pressure on existing officers and undermines effective community policing. Expanding the workforce, he argued, would enhance visibility policing, intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities across urban and rural communities.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu appointed Disu as acting IGP following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing pressing family considerations. The President is expected to convene the Nigeria Police Council to formally deliberate on the appointment before forwarding Disu’s name to the Senate for confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
Disu recently assumed office as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos. A member of the force since 1992, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University and master’s degrees in public administration, criminology, and security and legal psychology.
Over the years, he has served in key leadership roles nationwide, including Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Head of the Intelligence Response Team, Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, and AIG in charge of the Special Protection Unit. Observers say his extensive operational and administrative experience positions him to lead the force at a critical time, but expectations remain high as Nigerians await decisive action on welfare reforms and improved security outcomes.
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