The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has reportedly requested special promotions for eight police officers attached to top government officials, sparking debate over the legality and fairness of the move.
According to reports, the requests were contained in two separate letters sent to the Police Service Commission (PSC). The letters reportedly asked the commission to elevate officers attached to the President and other political figures.
One of the letters, dated February 20, 2026, reportedly listed three officers, while another contained five names. The request included the promotion of one officer from Assistant Commissioner of Police to Deputy Commissioner of Police, while two others were recommended for promotion from Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police.
In the letters, Gbajabiamila reportedly praised the officers for their leadership, gallantry, teamwork and performance, urging the PSC to give the request speedy consideration.
The development has generated concern because the Police Service Commission Act grants the PSC authority over appointments and promotions in the Nigeria Police Force, excluding only the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The law states that the commission operates independently and should not be controlled or directed by any individual or authority in carrying out its responsibilities.
Although the Act allows the President to issue policy directives to the commission, critics argue that such directives are expected to be general in nature and not tied to specific promotions.
The report also noted that concerns over special promotions within the security services are not new under the administration of Bola Tinubu.
In January 2025, the President’s aide-de-camp, Nurudeen Yusuf, was reportedly promoted from lieutenant colonel to colonel, and later elevated to brigadier-general through what sources described as a “special presidential promotion.”
Sources quoted in the report warned that such actions could weaken discipline and morale within the armed forces and police hierarchy.
One presidential source claimed that officers on the frontlines battling insecurity often receive less recognition than those serving around political leaders.
A police officer familiar with the matter reportedly expressed frustration that officers risking their lives in conflict zones receive little attention, while those attached to VIPs benefit from accelerated promotions.
The officer warned that if promotions continue to be influenced by political connections instead of merit and service, morale among security personnel could decline further.
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