Nigeria Content Online

The seven newly appointed Deputy Inspector Generals
of Police were inaugurated yesterday in Abuja, amidst a frank admission
by the chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC), Parry Osayande,
that he almost quit the police force.

Mr. Osayande, while decorating the seven DIGs, charged the officers “to see the new promotions as an act of God.”

He further urged the new leadership of the Force to
understand that “only the President has the power to appoint people he
can work with effectively and, therefore, they should work as a team
during their tenure.”

The former police officer said he almost resigned his
appointment two months ago due to “certain issues”, but was vague about
his reasons.

“It’s due to certain things,” he said. “I was trying
to exercise my fundamental human right of freedom of movement and
association. Nothing more or less.”

The acting Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim,
had earlier told the new management of the Force to prepare for the
great task ahead of them so that what happened to their predecessors
would not repeat itself during their tenure.

“We are aware of the circumstances that brought us to
the fore today. I urged you all in the new management not to behave
like in the past, so that we will not fail,” Mr. Ringim said.

New offices

Immediately after their decorations, the DIGs were
assigned offices. Ivy Okoronkwo, from Abia State, made history by
becoming the first female Deputy to the IGP in the history of Nigeria
Police.

Azubuko John Udah, also from Abia, takes charge of
the administration department. Ganiyu Dawodu, a Lagos indigene, heads
investigations. Sardauna Abubakar of Sokoto State is to take charge of
the E department, training; Audu Abubakar from Kebbi State will be in
charge of the B department, operations.

Others include Saleh Abubakar, Bauchi State, who will
be in charge of the C department, works; and Mohammed A. Yesufu, Delta
State, will occupy the office of F department, planning, research, and
statistics of the Force.

Mrs. Okoronkwo, who responded on behalf of the newly
decorated officers, thanked the Federal Government for giving them the
opportunity to serve in the present capacity and pledged their loyalty
to government and the new IGP.