Intrigues in Nigeria police over IGP’s successor, promotion Interests are colliding at the top echelon of the Nigeria Police over who replaces the outgoing Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, who retires in July, Nigerian Tribune has learnt. Talks of possible extension of his tenure by President Goodluck Jonathan till after the general election next year are reportedly generating ripples, especially among his possible successors and their sympathisers within the system. Police sources told the Nigerian Tribune that while the possible extension, allegedly spearheaded by the IGP’s sympathisers and loyalists, is being discussed in hushed tones within the system, the alleged raw deals being received by those likely to succeed the top cop are open secret within the system. A source who is an intermediate officer in the Nigeria Police disclosed that the intrigues going on at the headquarters of the force, would thicken from this week, given the alleged determined resolve of the IGP’s camp on certain controversial transfer and planned promotion. One issue reportedly being discussed in the open is about a certain DIG (names withheld) said to be in the thick of the succession politics began. The DIG is largely seen as a possible successor. His reported close relationship with the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and the new Minister of Defence, General Aliyu Gusau (rtd) is also seen as putting him in a good stead to succeed Abubakar. The sudden transfer of his driver of nine years to a South West state, withdrawal of one of his orderlies and subsequent transfer out of Abuja among other issues around him are being viewed by his sympathisers in the system as an alleged clampdown on him by the leadership. One of his sympathisers who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, said the situation was no longer tolerable with the DIG left with no driver and his personal security being reduced. The source noted that the headquarters of the force would witness more intrigues starting from this week. It was also alleged that those pushing for an extension for Abubakar had been scandalising the DIG by claiming that he is ally of an opposition leader. Jonathan’s kinsman, newly-promoted DIG, Michael Zuokumor, is also reportedly being touted as Abubakar’s replacement if the outgoing IGP would not get an extension. The promotion list being reportedly compiled by Abubakar as a parting gift if he would not get an extension, is also said to be at the heart of the rumpus in the headquarters of the force. The most contentious, according to aggrieved sources, is the planned promotion of a popular Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) while many of his mates who were cadet ASP with him in 1992 are still Superintendent of Police (SP). The CSP is said to have over 800 seniors ahead of him, who would automatically become his junior if the lift sails through. According to the aggrieved source, “this is someone who is number 830 something on the list and you now want to side-step over 800 people who are ahead of him, to promote him. We are waiting to see how this would be possible.” It was learnt that several interest meetings are on regarding the issues in the system and weeks ahead, according to sources, would witness dramatic developments and more tension. Nigerian Tribune.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 08:41:39 +0000
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