On Frank Mba: He must not be IG

BY VALENTINE OBIENYEM

It has long been a belief that once you are made a DIG, you automatically lose your chances of becoming an IG.

Inspector General’s (IGs) of Police are often chosen from among the AIGs (Assistant Inspector Generals) of Police.

Constitutionally, the President is allowed to appoint any police officer of his choice, not below the rank of AIG.

In practice, anytime a new IG is appointed from AIG, all the serving DIGs retire. It is also same in the military.

You can’t take orders from your junior.

So Frank Mba, a very fine officer, lettered, well-spoken, well-dressed and fit like a fiddle, must retire.

As many people are alleging that he could have been made the IG and was not chosen because he was Igbo, I do not think Frank is bothered. I wouldn’t if I were in his shoes.

About 5 years ago, he was said to be only an ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police).

And in 5 years, he had gone through DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police), CP (Commissioner of Police), AIG (Assistant Inspector General), And DIG (Deputy Inspector General). Wow.

In just 5 years? That’s great blessings.

And while in the same police force, he studied law and was called to Bar.

He has also gotten a UK master’s degree.

He was The Force PRO from where he got global recognition.

He has been blessed by the Nigerian police beyond measures.

If I were him, I would be happy to go home.

There is a whole world out there to conquer.

You are highly educated

You are globally respected

You are youngish

You are healthy

You are leaving the force with zero dent

The world would be my play stage.

And I believe these are the paths Mba would take.

He could set up a security consultancy business, being among the global security voices.

He could lecture in the world top universities

He could run for office and join the senate or become a Governor.

He could be appointed the next head of EFCC, DSS, Police Commission Chairman, National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior etc

He could set up a law firm and handle global security cases and arbitrations.

He could become a security pundit for a global Television channel.

There are more ways he could leverage his experiences and skill that would be more beneficial to him than the office of the IG of Police So cry ye not for Frank Mba.

The world is his oyster. So Frank, go home, with your head raised high and step into your next call.

Thank you for your service.