Newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, has said that this is not the right time to start receiving congratulatory messages.
The new IGP said that the burden placed on his shoulder is a heavy one and that he must swing into action immediately.
Disu stated this after he was decorated by President Tinubu on Wednesday to take over as the 23rd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police.
Disu is replacing Kayode Egbetokun who was earlier asked to resign by President Bola Tinubu .
He highlighted the areas of focus and added that he would not waste or treat the confidence reposed in him carelessly.
“I am dedicated to supporting and maintaining it until it meets the standards expected by His Excellency and the hopes of Nigerians, making sure that the safety and belongings of every lawful citizen and all residents throughout the country are protected,” he said.
Disu said he had received thousands of congratulatory messages already, stressing that “I firmly believe that it’s not the right time for me to be praised yet. It’s not the right time yet because a big responsibility has been given to me and my coworkers.
“It’s not the right time yet because I understand the expectations are really high. It’s not the right time yet because I believe we shouldn’t just meet expectations, but aim to go beyond them.
“I want to let all the officers and men of the indefatigable Nigeria Police know that Tunji Disu, as most of you call me, is first and foremost a police officer before being the Inspector-General of Police.
“This includes the fresh recruits who are still learning the weight of the uniform, as well as the veterans who have given decades of quiet service. I really value this and want to keep it going.
“I see you, I respect you, and I’m right here with you. I know what it feels like to stand on duty in the rain. I know there are dangers in answering any emergency call. I know what it’s like to work for people who sometimes cheer for you and sometimes don’t trust you.
“Those experiences aren’t behind me; they will influence every choice I make in this office. By the favor of Almighty God, I have been given this position to guide you with honesty and faithfulness, and to work for the benefit of our beloved country, Nigeria.
“It’s good to see that our Service has a lot of strong capabilities that are always ready to use when needed to deal with today’s security challenges.
“We can proudly say that Nigeria has overcome many tough challenges thanks to the courage, skill, deep knowledge, strong dedication, and great strength of its officers.
“I am also aware that we all have injuries: a lack of trust from the communities we are supposed to protect; old systems, not enough resources, and in some places, a culture of wrongdoings that has damaged the badge many of us wear with pride.
“These are not comfortable truths. But these are realities we need to confront with determination in order to rebuild the Nigeria Police as a highly trusted and people-focused institution. My time in this role will be based on three clear promises.
“We will take this Service and bring it up to date in a professional and modern way. How we do our work will be guided by smart policing, detailed investigations, digital technology, and using evidence to make decisions. Not threatening, not taking easy paths, not using power unfairly.
“We will invest in the people who do this work. A skilled officer, who is well-prepared and truly appreciated, is the strongest tool this Service has for stopping crime.
“I want to be clear about this, so there’s no misunderstanding: the time for getting away with things is over. The badge shows that people trust the public. Anyone who handles it differently will have to deal with the complete effects of our discipline procedures.
“This rule applies to everyone, no matter their rank, even those who are closest to me. I won’t ask people to trust a service unless it takes responsibility for its actions first. We will improve our internal checks, make our procedures clearer, and ensure that when we talk about the rule of law, we really mean it.
“No police department anywhere in the world has ever been able to create real and lasting safety by working against the community instead of being part of it. We will go to the people.
“To the markets, the town halls, the schools, and the informal settlements. Not to lecture, but to listen. Community policing is not a programme. It’s a way of thinking, and it will guide how this Service works from the inside out.
“To my officers, I will expect the best from you, because the people we serve deserve nothing less.
“Integrity. Compassion. Courage. These are not optional qualities. They are the job. But I promise you this: I will work hard to protect your well-being, respect your dignity, and ensure you have the right conditions to do your job properly. You won’t be asked to do anything that’s impossible without any help.
“Starting today, leadership in this Service needs to be clear, responsible, and deserving of people following them. To the people of this country,
I ask for just one thing more than anything else.
“Your partnership. Report crime. Engage with your local officers. Hold us responsible when we don’t meet the standards, and support us when we do things right. We are not your adversaries. We are your neighbors in uniform, and the only way to know if we’re doing our job right is by how safe you stay.
“The path forward isn’t easy, and the changes we need to make also won’t be simple. There will be resistance, tough decisions, and times when the easier choice seems better. I plan to choose the more difficult option each time. My door will be open. My ears will be attentive.
“My promise to turn this Service into one that every citizen can trust and every officer can be proud to work in will never change. This is not the end of the ceremony. This is the beginning of work! Let us get to it, together. God bless our Police Service. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”