**The New Police Chief: A Step in the Right Direction?** As Nigerians, we have been accustomed to the narrative that the police are our friends. However, this notion is far from the truth. The reality is that the police force in Nigeria is often seen as a tool for extorting money from citizens, rather than a force for protection. The poor remuneration of police officers and the corrupt practices of some politicians have created an environment where the police are more likely to be seen as a threat than a helping hand. The recent appointment of Rilwan Olatunji Disu as the acting inspector-general of Police has sparked a mix of reactions from Nigerians. While some see this as a step in the right direction, others are skeptical about the possibilities of change. Disu's academic background and experience in building a security-aiding institution in Lagos are indeed impressive. However, the question remains: can he truly transform the Nigerian Police Force into a more effective and trustworthy institution? The answer, unfortunately, lies beyond the power of the new acting IGP. The root cause of the problems plaguing the police force is the systemic corruption that pervades all levels of the Nigerian polity. Politicians are more interested in lining their pockets than in allocating funds for essential services like policing. The low police-citizen ratio is a clear indication of this neglect. The appointment of Disu as acting IGP is seen by some as a demonstration of the President's ability to choose the best candidate for the job. However, this raises questions about the role of federal character in the appointment process. The Nigerian Constitution's emphasis on federal character has been criticized for being discriminatory and anti-merit. In this case, it seems that the President has chosen to prioritize preference over merit. The bond between an ADC and his boss is a significant factor in this appointment. Disu's experience as ADC to the President when he was Governor in Lagos has likely contributed to his selection. While this may not be the only consideration, it is clear that trust plays a crucial role in the appointment process. Ultimately, the success of Disu's tenure as acting IGP will depend on his ability to navigate the complex web of corruption and politics that surrounds the Nigerian Police Force. While his academic background and experience are promising, the challenges ahead will be significant. As Nigerians, we can only hope that he will be able to make a positive impact and bring about the changes that are so desperately needed in our