The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday cautioned Police officers soliciting undeserved promotion.
Egbetokun who expressed displeasure over the development said most of the officers used to go through highly placed personalities to do the soliciting.
He warned that any officer subsequently caught engaging in the act will be penalized according to the law.
The IGP gave the warning while decorating 27 newly promoted senior officers of the Police Force in Abuja.
He advised the newly promoted officers to live up to expectation and be a good example to other officers.
At the outset of the present administration, the police boss said he had announced the suspension of special promotions to ensure a fair, equitable and transparent promotion process.
The IGP said the same punishment applies to officers also soliciting preferential posting.
Egbetokun added: “While we acknowledge that exceptional circumstances may warrant special promotions, we will take appropriate and expedient action when necessary. We will revisit this decision at the right time and make exceptions where deserved, balancing individual merit with the need for a fair and equitable process.
Consequently, the current promotion exercise, like those preceding it under this administration, adheres strictly to the fundamental principles of seniority and merit. I wish to reaffirm unequivocally that our promotion process will continue to be transparent and fair to all our officers. No officer eligible for promotion will be denied their rightful advancement.
“I would like to take this opportunity to issue a stern warning to unscrupulous officers who are attempting to undermine our merit-based promotion system, for personal gain. I urge them to cease lobbying for special promotions through influential persons and external forces.
“From now on, severe disciplinary action will be taken against any officer found guilty of soliciting underserved promotions through illicit means, masquerading as special promotions. This also applies to officers soliciting preferential posting. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and Commissioners of Police. This marks the Commencement of an exciting chapter in your professional journeys. I remind you that promotions are earned by those who maintain unwavering focus on their objectives.
“Wear your new ranks with pride, and let them serve as constant reminders of the trust and confidence reposed in you. Strive daily to meet the high standards expected of you. Lead with courage, act with integrity, and serve with dedication. Remember, Promotions may come and go, but your hard work will leave a lasting legacy. Also, recognize that you are supervisors and trainers of men; all subordinate officers look to you for guidance and mentorship. The quality of your decisions, actions, and inactions will determine the quality of the training you impart to them.
“At this juncture, I express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support and leadership. Your commitment to the welfare and development of the Nigeria Police Force is profoundly appreciated. I also extend my appreciation to the Chairman and staff of the Police Service Commission for their timely attention in processing and approving the promotion list.”
