In a move that has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu's administration is facing questions over the recent appointment of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Tunji Disu as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP). This decision has once again sidelined Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Frank Mba, the most senior serving officer in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), marking the second time under this government that Mba has been overlooked despite his superior rank and qualifications.
Sources within the force and political circles are raising eyebrows at what appears to be a pattern of regional favoritism, with officers from the South-West geopolitical zone repeatedly elevated to the top job while the South-East remains shut out. Mba, hailing from the South-East, was at the pinnacle of the NPF hierarchy during both the 2023 and 2026 transitions, yet he was bypassed in favor of less senior candidates from the same region as the president.
A Pattern of Oversight
Back in 2023, Mba was primed for the role following the retirement of the previous IGP. However, the position went to Kayode Egbetokun, a fellow South-Westerner with fewer years left in service. Security analysts point out that Egbetokun's tenure was controversially extended, which conveniently delayed the succession and blocked Mba's path. Now, with Disu—a junior officer—stepping into the role, the cycle seems to repeat itself.
Official NPF records, reviewed by ReportNaija, confirm Mba's status as the top-ranking DIG with ample service years remaining. Traditionally, IGP appointments have adhered to a seniority protocol among eligible DIGs, a practice rooted in maintaining institutional stability and meritocracy. Retired senior officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, have described the deviations as "unprecedented and troubling," suggesting they erode the force's long-standing norms.
### Federal Character Concerns
The repeated exclusions have amplified concerns about adherence to Nigeria's federal character principles, which aim to ensure equitable representation across regions in key national institutions. The South-East, despite producing highly qualified officers like Mba, has been notably absent from NPF leadership for years. Lawmakers from the region, including some in the National Assembly, have privately expressed frustration, noting that this imbalance could fuel perceptions of marginalization.
"Force records don't lie," one security source told ReportNaija. "Mba was the clear frontrunner both times. Appointing juniors from the same bloc raises serious questions about whether decisions are driven by merit or other considerations."
No Official Explanation
The presidency has yet to provide a detailed rationale for the choices, fueling speculation that political and ethnic factors may be at play. Critics argue that such appointments undermine public trust in the NPF, especially at a time when Nigeria grapples with security challenges ranging from banditry to urban crime.
As Nigerians continue to probe these decisions, calls are growing for greater transparency in high-level appointments. Will the South-East finally see representation at the helm of the NPF, or will the pattern persist? ReportNaija will continue to monitor developments in this unfolding story.
*ReportNaija is committed to delivering unbiased, in-depth reporting on issues that matter to Nigerians. Follow us for updates.*