….Says promotion under him is transparent, merit-based, guided by integrity
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed allegations of a promotion scandal within the Nigeria Police Force, insisting that all promotion exercises conducted under his administration have been transparent, merit-driven, and in strict compliance with due process.
Egbetokun made the clarification on Tuesday during the decoration ceremony of 19 newly promoted senior officers, including Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Mohammed Dan-Kwara, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Nkechi Eze, Force Medical Director, and Commissioner of Police Nandel Gonwalk.
He described recent claims of irregularities in the promotion process as baseless, stating that those spreading such narratives were bent on discrediting the Force.
“Recent months have witnessed attempts by certain mischief makers to cast shadows on the credibility of our promotion process, particularly the accelerated exercise conducted a few months ago. But truth stands taller than rumours — the Nigeria Police Force has nothing to hide and nothing to defend,” the IGP said.
Egbetokun emphasized that every promotion conducted under his watch followed due process and was anchored on competence, performance, and discipline.
“There is no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force. What we have is a system that rewards diligence, professionalism, and proven capacity. Our commitment to fairness and merit remains unwavering. Promotions are not influenced by nepotism or sentiment,” he added.
Congratulating the newly promoted officers, Egbetokun noted that their elevation was a testament to hard work, consistency, and patriotism, urging them to see their new ranks as a call to greater responsibility.
“Every insignia worn at this level must represent not privilege, but purpose — a reminder that authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust,” he said.
He further charged the officers to lead with fairness, integrity, and justice while embracing technology and community policing to address evolving crime challenges.
“The Nigerian people expect a smarter, more responsive force that is deeply connected to communities. I therefore urge you to fully embrace intelligence-led policing and innovations that will keep us ahead of criminal networks,” the IGP stated.
Egbetokun reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen institutional integrity, reward excellence, and sustain public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
© 2025, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.