By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
Today, the famous TikToker, Bello Galandanci, popularly known as Dan Bello, discussed the police career of DCP Usman Shugaba, the aide-de-camp to the President of Nigeria, and the aide-de-camp (ADC), Abdulrahman Baba Garba, who was recently promoted from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) in the Nigeria Police Force.
I decided to write to clarify the controversy surrounding the promotions of police officers, as I believe Dan Bello’s investigation was flawed while he stated his opinion on the work of the Police Service Commission.
The Nigerian Police Service Commission aims “To improve service delivery in the Nigeria Police Force by promoting transparency and accountability in the police,” and not to engage in any corrupt acts.
Perhaps Dan Bello is unaware that the Police Service Commission is unbiased, that it is not violating the rules of its commission, and that it does not engage in any injustice when rewarding deserving police officers who have served the nation well.
DCP Usman Shugaba is no different from other Nigerian police officers who have been rewarded for their patriotic service to the nation and the good people of Nigeria. Within the police force, there are two types of promotions: promotion for good service to the nation and promotion based on years of service.
Why didn’t Dan Bello discuss other ordinary police officers who received promotions for their good service to the nation? DSP Usman Shugaba was not the first, nor will he the last, to benefit from that privilege.
In 2016, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, announced the automatic promotion of Nigerian police officers. Those serving in regions with peculiar situations were promoted without promotion examinations or training. He also revealed that, in total, over 39,000 personnel nationwide were promoted from various ranks to higher ranks.
However, it can be recalled that the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mike Okiro, in 2017, gave automatic promotions to sixteen policemen and a woman who mounted a guard of honor for his inspection at the headquarters of the Benue State Police Command.
Furthermore, the Police Service Commission, according to the Police Act of 2020, has made provisions to reward and promote deceased, gallant police officers who served the nation diligently, based on recommendations.
Special promotions are based on recommendations. In September 2024, the Retired Deputy Inspector General Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), stated that the law allows for accelerated promotions for officers who have demonstrated exceptional skill in their duties. This is the type of promotion that many Nigerian police officers receive for their patriotism and recommended services.
In 2022, the Police Service Commission (PSC) approved a special promotion for Daniel Itse Amah, the police officer who rejected a $200,000 bribe from armed robbers. This was a promotion recognizing his good conduct and nationalism.
Police promotion and service are explained in the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (C.I. 76). According to regulation 37 of C.I. 76, which addresses police promotions, promotions within the Police Service are determined by promotional examinations, seniority, length of service, and special recommendations.
The Police Service Commission’s role is to process promotions based on recommendations received from the Inspector General of Police for the promotion of Senior Police Officers, as well as for acting appointments. They also examine and process appeals, petitions, and complaints received from aggrieved Police Officers seeking redress for long overdue promotions, unjustified demotions, or improper placement on the seniority Staff List/Nominal Roll of the NPF.
It is important for Dan Bello, other individuals in Nigeria, and members of the police force to understand that special promotions are based on recommendations. Those who provide such recommendations do so to acknowledge the commendable work of their officers. This signifies that they are exceptional police officers who provide excellent service and protection. Therefore, the promotion of DCP Usman Shugaba to his current position is a significant achievement.
DCP Usman Shugaba, the aide-de-camp (ADC) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, previously held the same position for Muhammadu Buhari’s wife. This intelligent police officer possesses significant security knowledge, and the quality and quantity of his work continue to merit his advancement within the police service.
Before his appointment as the ADC to Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, DSP Usman Shugaba served as the ADC to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. Undoubtedly, his extensive experience in security and intelligence, particularly in crime prevention, has made him a distinguished figure in the police force. His promotion should, therefore, be readily considered by the Police Service Commission as a testament to his capabilities as a Nigerian policeman.
Please, for the sake of what is right, I implore Dan Bello, given his reputation as a person who champions peace and exposes corruption, to remain consistent in his actions. We would not expect any criticism of DCP Usman Shugaba in that regard, but rather, we should consider him in light of his dedication to his work and his success in building confidence in those he serves.
It is important for Dan Bello to understand that DCP Usman Shugaba is not merely a police officer, but a champion, a builder of people, a provider, and a source of relief for the youth of Nigeria. In his efforts to assist Nigerian youth, he has created over 3,000 jobs. He has also become a peace ambassador for the people of Kaduna State and is actively involved in charitable donations to the less fortunate.
To be frank with Dan Bello, the people of Kaduna State will likely be displeased with his comments regarding DSP Usman Shugaba, as he has criticized someone who is actively using his position to assist others.
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo writes from Kaduna state and can be reached via auwalgoronyo@gmail.com
