Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s ex-media aide, Reno Omokri, has called on the public to refrain from associating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, with the ongoing controversy surrounding the tenure of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Omokri revealed that after conducting his own inquiries, he discovered that Mba is satisfied with his current role as DIG and remains steadfastly loyal to Egbetokun.
The debate over Egbetokun’s tenure arose following questions about whether he should retire upon turning 60 in September 2024. However, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, clarified that Egbetokun’s tenure is valid for four years, starting from his appointment on October 31, 2023.
Amid the controversy, some social media users have accused Mba, who hails from the South-East, of allegedly orchestrating opposition to Egbetokun’s tenure as a strategy to position himself as the next IGP. Others have argued that Egbetokun’s extended stay in office is intended to block an Igbo officer from ascending to the position of IGP.
Mba, who was promoted to DIG in June 2023, is currently the most senior police officer from the South-East geopolitical zone.
Omokri strongly condemned the speculation, warning that it could damage Mba’s career by misrepresenting him and creating unnecessary tension within the police force.
“I also found this to be such an open secret within police circles so much so that even close aides and friends of the IGP lay credence to the fact that Frank is probably the highest supporter of his boss, Egbetokun, amongst serving police officers,” Omokri said.
He emphasized that the appointment of an IGP is solely the president’s prerogative and is not influenced by social media campaigns or sentimental arguments.
Omokri urged those who claim to support Mba to cease spreading misinformation, stressing that Mba is fully focused on his duties and does not need unnecessary controversy that could jeopardize his career.
His tweet read, “After my initial comments regarding the various social media hullabaloo on the position of the IGP and the unsolicited dragging of DIG Frank Mba to the fray, I’ve taken time to do a further research on the subject matter to determine what largely informed the online clamour. I must say that I was quite shocked by my findings.
“Honestly, typical of contemporary Nigerian expectations, I had thought that perhaps these social media narratives may have been influenced by the man being projected to benefit from it by a section of netizens. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that, on the contrary, DIG Frank is very close to IGP Egbetokun and exhibits a rare and superlative sense of loyalty that can only be described as fierce and unflinching…
“So if there is anything these social media orchestrations is achieving, it must be to the effect that an honest, selfless, diligent, committed, loyal and unassuming professsional Officer, DIG Frank Mba, is largely misrepresented and at the risk of being pitched against the powers that be!
“The much I found out reveals how distressed DIG Frank Mba is following the toxic attitude that has characterised recent online posts about the IGP position, with his pictures flaunted with disregard, all over the media space. How very discomforting and hurting, I must say.
“Even Frank knows that the appointment of the IGP can not be influenced by social media pressures nor by petty sentiments. He is experienced, smart, and quite street-wise to know how the power levers operate, and I’m not surprised he has maintained absolute loyalty to the IGP and the Police Force. Frank is an establishment person, and loyalty runs deep in his blood. If you are doubt, ask the three past IGPs he served and many other senior officers that mentored him and worked with him.
“The pundits therefore must be once again told clearly, that President Tinubu, on the advise of the Police Council, has only appointed Egbetokun to the position of the IGP, for a tenure of four (4) years. The office is, thus, not vacant.
“So, if you really love DIG Frank, (and I believe many of you truly do), it may be best for you to stop talking about him and promoting the negative propaganda that simply puts him in very bad light thereby putting his career in danger. The young man has diligently worked an impressive career and appears happy and focused on his present job as a Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
“You guys should save him the distress and leave him alone!”