By Precious Enaike

UGHELLI — A former militant leader and Mayor of Urhobo Land, His Worship Dr. Israel Agimor Eshanekpe, popularly known as Akpodoro, has congratulated the newly promoted Acting Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, describing his appointment as a call to higher national service and a turning point for police reform.

Akpodoro, who heads the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), said he had predicted Disu’s elevation in a correspondence dated September 17, 2025, when the new police chief was serving as an Assistant Inspector General of Police.

In a congratulatory message issued from his Ughelli palace in Delta State on Thursday, the mayor praised Bola Tinubu for what he termed a deliberate effort to reposition the Nigeria Police Force through strategic leadership choices.

He described Disu as a professional known for humility, integrity, and operational competence, adding that his emergence reflects the administration’s resolve to build a modern, intelligence-driven, and community-oriented policing system.

According to Akpodoro, the appointment marks a significant transition in national security leadership, succeeding Kayode Egbetokun, who served as Inspector General from June 2023 to February 2026.

He argued that leadership transitions at such levels are often deliberate and guided by evolving security priorities rather than ethnic considerations.

“The choice of who becomes a security chief lies squarely with the President as Commander-in-Chief,” he said, warning against ethnic sentiments in national security matters and stressing that professionalism should remain the primary criterion for such appointments.

Akpodoro described Disu as a seasoned criminologist with expertise in intelligence and operational leadership, noting that his experience positions him to lead reforms aimed at restoring public trust and strengthening professionalism within the force.

He further urged the new police boss to take a firm stand against corruption and unprofessional conduct, saying such measures are essential to rebuilding citizens’ confidence in the police institution.

“The appointment goes beyond mere elevation; it is a call to restore confidence, deepen justice, and ensure people-centred security,” he stated.

The mayor added that the President has demonstrated political will in tackling crime nationwide and expressed optimism that Disu’s leadership would usher in discipline, strategic reform, and improved public safety across the country.