NEWS
EXCLUSIVE: Why IGP hurriedly fills Abba Kyari’s position with a southern officer
Our Correspondents
ABUJA-FACTS have continued to emerge on the reasons why Nigeria’s Police Chief, IGP Usman Alkali Baba hurriedly approved the replacement of embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abba Kyari as head or the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), replacing him with a southerner, DCP Tunji Disu.
While it is no longer news that under the Buhari administration, northerners are hardly replaced by their southern colleagues no matter how qualified they may be, when it comes to top civil service or sensitive security positions. However, the Inspector general of Police, IGP, took a different turn when he named DCP Tunji Disu, a Southerner to replace the embattled Abba Kyari.
Sources at the Nigerian Police Headquarters in Abuja told Biztellers that while some senior members of the force immediately commenced lobbying on behalf of their proteges in the force when Kyari’s suspension was announced, some members of the police service commission also weighed in with their preference for professionalism above ethnic or religious sentiments.
A very influential Emir from the North was said to have also weighed in with intentions of ensuring that the matter is properly managed because of the image of the north and the vacant position is filled by a northerner, for ease of continuity of service to the nation in general, and the region in particular. of special concern to the monarch was the insurgency and kidnapping in the Northeast and Northwest respectively, where according to him the embattled officer has played key roles. It is believed that only an officer from the region can help with intelligence gathering to combat the never-ending menace.
The IGP however, got a few recommendations from his most trusted allies to whom he has made clear that professionalism takes preceedence and as such after a detailed profiling of the the officers forwarded to him, he selected Tunji Disu whom he believes has displayed a higher level of professionalism in previous positions held. He was said to have immediately forwarded the name of the officer to the Police Service Commission, PSC, and pushed for immediate approval in an effort to stave off further lobbying especially from very powerful Northern leaders who are beginning to show more than the necessary interest in the matter.
However, the police stated that the posting of the officer is on the heels of Management’s decision to fill the leadership gap within the IRT and refocus the Unit for better service delivery.
According to police spokesman, Frank Mba, the IGP has charged the new Head of the IRT to demonstrate his professional competence in his leadership of the Unit.
He also assured citizens that the IRT will remain focused in the discharge of its duties in line with national statutes and international best practices.
Prior to his appointment as the new Head of the IRT, DCP Tunji Disu, a former Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Lagos State, was the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He had also previously served at the State CID, Rivers State as the Deputy Head of the Unit. He was also a former Commander of the Nigeria Police Contingent to the African Union (AU) Peace Keeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan.
DCP Disu holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the Lagos State University (LASU) and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.
He has also attended several professional courses both at home and abroad: Small Arms Smuggling Training in Botswana, Internet Fraud Training at the Cambridge University, UK, Strategic Leadership Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos, Forensic Investigations and Criminal Intelligence Course at the University of Lagos, amongst others.
He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and Chattered Institute of Personnel management, amongst other professional bodies.
His posting is to be effective immediately as there must be no vacum at such sensitive post.
NEWS
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
NEWS
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
NEWS
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.