By Arabinrin Aderonke
One night, I was returning from the airport when our driver unknowingly veered into a one-way road while trying to enter Shoprite Mall in Ikeja. It was dark, and before we knew it, some police officers stopped us and arrested the driver. I panicked.
In that moment, I decided to call Tunji Disu. He answered. I explained what had happened and pleaded with him to help speak to the officers. At the time, he was heading SARS Abuja. I had previously met him in his office shortly after his appointment as SARS head, in the company of a veteran journalist who had written a book for him.
He listened calmly. Then he said something that has stayed with me ever since: we were wrong to enter a one-way road, and ignorance is not an excuse. He told me to cooperate with the officers, follow them to their office, and face the consequences. He made it clear he would not intervene for anyone who was at fault. Then he wished me goodnight and ended the call.
Surprisingly, I was not disappointed. I had only asked for help, and he gave something better, integrity.
I eventually left the taxi driver to handle the matter and took another Uber to my destination. But the lesson remained with me.
Tunji Disu is not your regular officer. He is a thorough professional, upright, diligent, and uncompromising when it comes to doing what is right. With leaders like him in charge, policing can rise to greater heights, and the Nigerian Police can regain respect through professionalism and accountability.
Congratulations to the brand new Inspector General of Police
