Abubakar’s successor: Mbu, two DIGs, two AIGs make list

As varied news continue to filter in that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, is lobbying for an extension of his stay as the number one policeman in the country, indications emerged on Thursday that the Police Service Commission has submitted the files of two Deputy Inspectors General, two Assistant Inspector Generals and a Commissioner of Police to the Presidency for study as replacement.

The submitted names are the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Intelligence, Solomon Erase; Suleiman Abba, the AIG in charge of Zone 7, Abuja; the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration, Suleiman Fakai; the DIG in charge of Operations, Michael Zokumuor; and the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Mbu Joseph Mbu.

A source said: “President Jonathan is still studying the files and may make a pronouncement any moment from now.

“But everything right now depends on him.”

Abubakar is due for retirement on July 31.

He would be expected to embark on compulsory leave towards the end of July and hand over to who will eventually be picked by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a situation where a new IGP has not been picked before Abubakar leaves office, a DIG will most likely take over the mantle of leadership.

It was gathered that at least about 60 senior officers would be retiring by July.

Another source said: “I don’t think the President is reconsidering Abubakar or why would he request for five names from the PSC?”

Among the DIGs being considered, Zokumuor, who is from the same Balyesa State as the Pesident, would be retiring next year, while Fakai has about seven years to stay in service.

Fakai is from the North West.

Sources disclosed that Zokomuor, aside from his retirement date, which is dodging his footstep to the leadership position, may not be favoured because the Chief of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah, is from that zone and his choice may mess things up for Jonathan.

He is also said to be a loyalist of a former military dictator from the North.

Of the two AIGs that were shortlisted, Erase is believed to be highly educated and an exposed detective who has served as Principal Staff Officer to three past IGPs.

He is from Edo State and said to be highly favoured among all those shortlisted.

“Abba on the other hand is from Niger State in the North Central zone and had served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and was also in Lagos State at a time as the supervising CP during 2007 general elections,” said a source.

The sources said the only Commissioner of Police on the list is former controversial Rivers State CP, Mbu, who is currently the CP of the FCT.

He is said to enjoy the support of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

However, the odds against him are that if he is picked as the new IGP, over 200 senior police officers would be retired from the force.