By Festus Fifen

Nigeria inspector General of Police IGP Olukayode Egbetokun has once again told critics who are bent on tarnishing his image and that of the Nigeria Police Force that he will continue to do his best to make sure that the Nigeria Police Force progresses in the right direction, stating empathically that “Your lies will not derail our reforms”.

IGP Egbetokun who stated this while decorating CSP Shaba Aliyu, Police Officer of the Year, 2023 and SP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024 who are beneficiary of the Special promotion scheme of the Force at Force Headquarters Abuja, emphasized that the Police Management under him is ready to continue the current reforms being carried in the Force.

In his words, ” Let me be unequivocal: There is no gender advantage. No ethnic preference. No religious pathway. Only merit. But even as we mark this milestone, we are not blind to the resistance. We know there are those who fear change — who attack progress because it exposes their irrelevance.

” A certain corner of social media has become a playground for professional mischief-makers and agents of institutional sabotage. They twist facts, malign honourable men, and attempt to discredit noble efforts with shameless dishonesty.

” Let me send them a clear and final message: Your lies will not derail our reforms. Your noise will not drown our resolve. And your provocations, if sustained, will be met with lawful consequences. The Nigeria Police Force is moving forward — with or without your approval”

Speaking on the significance of the event Egbetokun said “Distinguished officers, ladies and gentlemen, today, we are not merely decorating officers; we are defining a legacy. This moment marks a deliberate and strategic departure from the shadows of mediocrity. It is a resounding reaffirmation of what we stand for — excellence, integrity, merit, and national pride.

” We have come to honour men whose stories now serve as institutional case studies in courage and professionalism:

” These two officers did not walk casually into this honour – they earned it through distinction in a field of giants. They were selected from among the very best – officers who had also demonstrated exceptional courage, integrity and professionalism, and who were nominated across multiple categories during the fiercely contested 2023 and 2024 award years.

” The process that led to their emergence was deliberately rigorous, grounded inn objectivity and insulated from influence. It was a process designed to sift not just for performance, but for character. And they rose to the top – not by accident, not by favour, but by merit. Let every officer here take note: this is the standard. If you aspire to be here tomorrow, it begins with what you do today.

Egbetokun quickly reminded sitting Officers that this is not a replacement for other promotions in the Force ” to every officer watching, listening, or reading these remarks:

It is their day today; it could be yours tomorrow.

” This initiative is not designed to replace our existing promotion structure. On the contrary, it complements it. Between 2023 and today, over 10,000 officers have been promoted through our regular and transparent promotion processes. In this Force, promotion is no longer about who you know — it is about what you contribute.

” This ceremony is not routine. It is transformational. Just few weeks ago, we announced a bold policy: that any officer who wins the prime honour of Police Officer of the Year shall be recommended to the Police Service Commission for accelerated promotion. We also resolved that any officer who earns IGP commendation or category awards for two consecutive years shall enjoy the same privilege. That policy was not issued for applause. It was born of conviction — and today, we are living it out in full view of the nation. ”

Egbetokun added that the portraits of the honourees will now adorn the entrance of the Force Headquarters, and also be mounted at the entrances of all Zonal and State Commands until new heroes emerge.

“This is not mere symbolism — it is a national call to aspiration” He noted