News
Anger in Police over Lopsided Promotions


There is discontent among some officers and men from South-East and South-South geopolitical zones in the police over what they described as “marginalisation of our officers” from the regions in the promotion of personnel.
They fear they may not have satisfactory career in the force if events continue the way they are, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to come to their rescue.
The officers alleged that they have made representations of the alleged marginalisation of their regions without success despite their qualification, hard work and dedication to duty, pointing out that there is no Assistant Inspector-General (AIGs) of police from the South-East for instance.
To this end, investigations by revealed that there are about 29 Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) of police in the force.
Out of the 29 AIGs, 27 are general duty (GD) officers while the remaining two are specialists (medical and air wing).
It was further revealed that the veterinary section ought to have a specialist AIG but a GD officer is heading the section.
According to the officers, even with the 29 AIGs, the South-South and the South-East are being marginalised, as only one officer from the South-South is an AIG, while there is no AIG from the South-East.
It was gathered that while the South-East zone has no AIG, Niger State – where the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, comes from – and Plateau State have two and three AIGs, respectively.
It was further gathered that since Ibrahim Idris took over as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on June 21, 2016, no Commissioner of Police (CP) from the South-East has been recommended to the Police Service Commission (PSC) for promotion to the rank of AIG.
When DAILY INDEPENDENT called Jimoh Moshood, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), he advised the newspaper to reach PSC, which, he said, is in charge of officers of that category.
However, a dependable source close to the Chairman of PSC, retired IGP Mike Okiro, explained on phone that promotion to the rank of AIG was not determined by quota or the federal character principle.
“Promotion from the rank of Commissioner of Police is not done on quota system or on federal character basis.
“In the police, only the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) is done on quota system or on federal character.”
The source cited the Chairman of PSC who, he said, “was promoted from the rank of a CP to the rank of DIG, even when there were two AIGs senior to him.”
The source added: “Another rank that is done on either quota system or on federal character is from Inspector to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) only during recruitment exercise.
“Promotion of any other rank is done on seniority basis, except on hard work – an officer who has performed an extra feat is promoted to encourage him.”
Explaining why the South-East has no AIG, the source disclosed that a commissioner from the South-East may soon be promoted.
“There was a CP from the South East who is number three on seniority list in the force. He will be given an AIG before the year ends,” the source assured.
On Tuesday, Last week, the PSC announced the promotion of 414 officers.
A breakdown shows that three Commissioners of Police (CPs) were promoted to the next rank of AIGs, four Deputy Commissioners (DCPs) to Commissioners of Police (CPs) and 12 Assistant Commissioners (ACPs) to DCPs.
The three CPs promoted to the rank of AIG are CP Danjuma Ibrahim, CP Istifanus Shettima, and CP Jimoh Omeiza Ozi-Obeh.
Findings revealed that promotion to a higher rank is not automatic but on availability of vacancy.
“A whole zone cannot produce an AIG, yet Niger State – where the IGP comes from – produces two AIGs. This is one of the lopsidedness and oppression going on in this government. We leave everything to God,” one of the senior officers from the South-East lamented.
Similarly, some officers from the South-South who spoke on strict anonymity also complained about the situation.
“Apart from not giving us (the South-South) equality in the police in the areas of promotion, most of our mates are two ranks ahead of us, and when we see them we salute our juniors who are now our seniors because they are from a particular section of the country.
“The IGP is showing tribalism openly, he posted only his people to juicy areas. He cannot be IGP forever, he will go one day.”
Investigations further revealed that to rectify the marginalisation of South-South officers, the PSC recently promoted Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohinmi, twice within six months to meet up with his contemporaries.
The AIGs and their states of origin are as follows: Musa Katsina (Katsina); Abdul Salami Ayaji (Kogi); Tilli Abubakar (Kebbi), Zone 6, Calabar; Dorothy Gimba (Plateau); Abdul Bube (Sokoto); Agboola Oshodi-Glover (Lagos); Umaru Shehu (Kebbi); Usman Yakubu (Niger); Abdulmajid Ali (Niger); Abubakar A. Mohammed (Nasarawa); Kayode Aderanti (Osun); Mohammed Usman Sani (Bauchi); Yakubu Jibrin (Nasarawa); Ibrahim Adamu (Zamfara), Zone 2; Abdul Dahiru (Kano); Salisu F. Abdullahi (Kano); Lawal Shehu (Katsina), border patrol; Aminchi Samaila Baraya (Taraba); Usman Alkali Baba (Yobe), maritime; Tijani Dada (Yobe); Abubakar Marafa (Kebbi); Dan Bature (Plateau); Karma Hosea Hassan (Taraba); Felix Ogundeji (Ondo); Frederick Taiwo Lakanu (Lagos); Hilda Idiruro Harison (Edo); Rasheed O. Akintunde (Ogun); Ezekiel Zang (Plateau), airwing; and Mohammed, medical.


The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.
Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.
While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.
News
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka


The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.


The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
News
Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative


More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.