Why Buhari appointed Baba as Ag. IGP

• President charges new police boss to prioritize policing reforms

By Egena Sunday Ode

The selection of DIG Usman Alkali Baba as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) by President Muhammadu Buhari followed a thorough check on eligible police officers with particular attention to seniority, professionalism, record of service and competence in which he was found to be most suitable.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, who announced Baba’s appointment at a press conference at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him,  the President in giving approval to the choice of DIG Baba as Acting IGP handed a charge to him to prioritize ongoing reforms in the police in order for its personnel to attain optimal performance.

Dangyadi also noted that with the appointment of a new IGP, President Buhari has fulfilled his determination to rejig the security architecture with a view to bringing the multifarious security challenges confronting the country to an end.

The appointment which takes immediate effect, according to the Minister, was made while the outgoing IGP, Mohammed Adamu was said to be in Imo State on official engagement, following the attack on Custodial facilities by unknown gunmen in Owerri, the state capital on Sunday.

Reports said over 180 inmates were released and about nine vehicles set ablaze by the gunmen.

Recall that Buhari had on February 4th, amid criticisms, extended Adamu’s tenure as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by three months.

However, Adamu had spent only two months and three days when his replacement was announced on Tuesday

Dangyadi who said the extension of the tenure of the former IGP was to enable a detailed process of selection, stated that the appointment of the Acting IGP was made after a thorough check, paying attention to seniority, professionalism, record of service and competence.

He said: “Distinguished gentlemen of the press, the tenure of the IGP Mohammed Adamu, which ended on February 1, 2021, was extended by Mr. President to enable a detailed process of appointing a new IGP, in line with section 15 (A) of the 1999 Constitution.

“After a thorough check of a shortlist of suitably qualified police officers from the rank of DIGs and AIGs, who are eligible police officers, eligible for appointment as IGP, in line with Section 7, subsection 2 of the Nigeria Police Act (2020), and having regards to seniority, professionalism, record of service and competence, Mr. President has approved the appointment of an acting IGP, in the person of Usman Alkali Baba, PSE, FDC, with immediate effect.

“These changes are in line with the determination of Mr. President to rejig the security architecture of the  country, to ensure that the security challenges bedeviling the nation are brought to an end.

‘”Mr. President has therefore charged the new appointee to rise to the challenge to ensure policing reform policy of this administration are fully prioritised and implemented to enable the police perform most effectively for the peace and security of lives and property of all Nigerians.

“Mr. President thanks the outgoing IGP, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, for his professionalism and dedication to duty during the period of his tenure. He wished him all the best in his future endeavours. “

On why the President didn’t allow the outgoing IGP to last the three months of extension, the Minister said:

“Mr. President is aware of this and you cannot take away that responsibility from him; he’s the one who is in charge of appointing or extending tenures. He has now decided to appoint a new person. So please allow him that responsibility and we cannot do anything about it.”