The Emeritus Supreme Head of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, Prophet Solomon Adegboyega Alao, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in appointing Tunji Disu as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The appointment, announced recently, marks a significant step in the reorganisation of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), which has long been plagued by corruption and inefficiency.

Reforms Expected in Police Culture

Alao, who is also known as Baba Alakoso of the Sacred C&S Church, described the decision as a ‘major step towards addressing Nigeria’s deep-seated security challenges.’ He urged the new IGP to ‘write his name in gold’ by dismantling the culture of corruption and systemic failure within the police force.

Speaking in a statement following the appointment, Alao expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to bring about meaningful reforms. However, he warned that the public is closely watching the new leadership’s performance.

He specifically highlighted the issue of extortion of motorists on major highways as a critical area for immediate action. Alao noted that traffic laws governing commercial vehicles have been largely ignored due to bribery, leading to avoidable accidents and the loss of lives.

Call for Immediate Action on Highway Safety

‘I am eager to see roadblocks dismantled and the extortion of motorists becoming a thing of the past,’ Alao stated. He added that Nigerians expect the new regime to usher in a new phase where ‘bail is free’ becomes a reality, not just a slogan.

Beyond corruption, Alao urged the IGP to intensify the fight against Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping, which continue to threaten the nation’s stability. He also called for strict enforcement of safety regulations for heavy-duty vehicles, insisting that containers must be properly fastened to prevent them from falling and killing innocent road users.

Neutrality and Electoral Integrity

With the 2027 general elections approaching, Alao emphasized the need for a neutral and apolitical police force. He cautioned against the perceived trend of officers ‘dancing to the tunes of politicians’ and urged the new IGP to ensure the Force is not used to manipulate the 2027 elections.

He added that the new IGP must obey all court judgments at all tiers of government to ensure the upcoming polls are credible. The clergy called on both Christians and Muslims to utilise the ongoing Lenten and Ramadan seasons to pray for national peace and for both faiths to appreciate that religion is a personal matter.

Alao also urged the faithful to pray against the looming threat of another World War, seeking divine intervention for global stability.

The appointment of Disu has been seen as a bold move by President Tinubu, who has previously outlined his vision for a restructured and more accountable police force. The new IGP, who has served in various police leadership roles, faces the challenge of restoring public trust and implementing reforms that have long been promised but rarely delivered.

Analysts note that the success of the new leadership will depend on swift and visible action. The Nigerian public has grown increasingly disillusioned with the police, with reports of corruption and inefficiency fueling widespread frustration. The challenge for Disu is to not only address these issues but also to ensure that the reforms are sustained over time.

As the new IGP takes office, the eyes of the nation are on him to deliver on the promises of change. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the reorganisation of the NPF will lead to a more effective and accountable police force or if it will once again fall short of expectations.