By Idowu Bankole

The Imo Coalition for Good Governance, ICGG, on Friday said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should have appointed Frank Mbah, as the new Inspector General of Police, IGP, to send strong message of inclusion to the South East region of the country.

The Director General of ICGG, Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu, spoke in a statement issued to newsmen in Owerri regarding the recent appointment of Tunji Disu as the new acting IGP of the country.

Hon. Ikezuagu’s argument was that the appointment should reflect equity and balance, not deepen feelings of marginalization. More especially at a time Mbah was seen to be the most senior officer for the job.

In his statement, titled “Statement of Concern on the Appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police” Ikezuagu stated: “We, the Imo Coalition for Good Governance (ICGG) note with deep disappointment the recent appointment of AIG Olatunji Disu as the new Acting Inspector General of Police, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.

“While we respect the prerogative of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to make such appointments, it is disheartening that AIG Frank Mba, the most qualified officer for the post from the South East, was overlooked for this critical position.”

“Appointing AIG Frank Mba would have sent a strong message of inclusion, fairness, and national unity. It would have given the people of the South East a renewed sense of belonging in Nigeria, affirming that competence and merit are recognized regardless of region. Anything short of this is perceived as injustice, unfairness, and discrimination.

“The people of the South East deserve to feel that they are integral to the Nigerian project. Leadership decisions at the highest levels should reflect equity and balance, not deepen feelings of marginalization. We urge that future appointments take into account the need to foster national cohesion and ensure that no region feels excluded from the governance of our country,” he concluded.