New York, June 6, 2007—Mike Mbama Okiro has shattered Nigeria’s huge tribal barriers to become the 13th indigene to head the nation’s police force.

President Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s servant-leader

Nigeria’s new President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, from the Hausa-Fulani tribe dominating the nation’s political leadership on Friday 1, 2007 being his 3rd day in office appointed Mr. Mike Mbama Okiro from the suppressed Igbo tribe, as well as, from the environmentally destroyed Niger Delta region to the very sensitive and coveted post of Inspector-General of Police (IGP). This makes Mr. Okiro the 1st person from the Igbo tribe to hold the very sensitive and coveted office.

By this appointment it appears that Nigeria is beginning to depart from post Nigeria-Biafra policy of denying anyone from the defeated Igbo tribe any sensitive position in the nation’s defense, security and strategic institutions.

Until his appointment, the new IGP was the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) in charge of Works.

The fact that the new President Umar Musa Yar’Adua is a prominent member and title holder in the dominant Hausa-Fulani oligarchy ruling or influencing the country’s leadership suggests that this may mark a major beginning of a major departure.

The new President Umar Musa Yar’Adua was the Governor of Katsina State prior to becoming the nation’s number 1 citizen on May 29, 2007 under a very questionable ‘election’ process. He was reputable to be the best among the very corrupt 36 state governors in Nigeria. He is a Muslim, and supported the introduction of Islamic Sharia law in his state.

Notably as the State Governor, Umar Musa Yar’Adua did not stop the death sentence passed on unwed mother Ms. Amina Lawal by Upper Shariah Court, Funtua in 2002, though her equally unwed male partner and father of her baby was not even charged for the same offence. The Katsina authorities claimed the male partner was not charged due to want of evidence. Nigeria’s Shariah Court of Appeal eventually overturned the conviction thereby giving reprieve to the poor woman in 2004 following uproar and foreign pressure.

Lawal's case became the focus of human rights groups around the world who were outraged at the sentence that Lawal should be buried up to her neck and then have stones thrown at her head until she was dead in accordance with Islamic Sharia Law.

The then Governor Umar Musa Yar’Adua of Katsina State’s inaction to save Ms. Amina Lawal between year 2002-2004 is still a source of concern to local and foreign observers.

During his inaugural speech boycotted by world leaders and international community, the new President declared, “I offer myself as a servant-leader, I will be a listener and doer, and serve with humility.” That address is being dissected and reviewed by world leaders and regional powers as the international community ponder the next step with the new de factor leadership of Nigeria.

Mike Okiro’s appointment is a well-thought-out policy announcement of a new leader who wants to be seen as ‘a servant-leader and a doer’.

Africans In America News Watch investigation indicates that Mike Okiro, 58, joined Nigeria Police Force in 1977 and rose through the ranks. He headed various police formations battling street crimes both in the cities, as well as, in the rural areas before rising to the top brass.

Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro

Africans In America News Watch investigation also indicates that IPG Okiro is a rugged crime-fighter, a beat cop well-schooled in community policing principle. He is also well-educated: BA (English); MPA (Masters in Public Administration, and LLB, LLM (Law).

Africans In America News Watch investigation further indicates that IPG Okiro has membership in many professional bodies: Member, Nigerian Institute of Management; Member, Nigerian Institute of Personnel Management; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administrators; Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administrators; Member, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Africans In America News Watch investigation further indicates that IPG Okiro is recipient of many honors, awards and community titles, including: Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem; Nigeria Police Medal, NPM; Atunluse of Lagos; Agunechemba of Egbema; Ochendo Ndigbo Lagos; Ochiagha of Akpulu, Orlu; Seriki Babatolu of Gbagura, Abeokuta; Bamofin of Ipaja, Lagos; Baba Agbakin of Oniru, Lagos.

Africans In America News Watch investigation further indicates that IPG Okiro is well-traveled and globally exposed.

Remarkably, Africans In America News Watch investigation reveals that IPG Okiro may have double heavy burden on his shoulder being the 1st Igbo man, as well as, being from the environmentally polluted and hence troubled oil-producing Niger Delta area, he may suffer the sort of scrutiny his predecessors we not subjected to.

Going by his shining track records, the new IGP may be a perfect team to compliment Nigeria’s global war against corruption. IGP Mike Okiro could decide to join force with Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crime Commission to rid Nigeria nation of corruption and heinous vices.

By his appointment, President Yar’Adua may be attempting to reach out to the Igbos and the Niger Delta area at the same time. We want to believe that this is not a tribal booby-trap and white-wash.

IGP Mike Okiro now has a chance now to transform the Nigeria Police Force to international standard. His predecessor, IGP Ehindero did few things such as changing the police uniform among other cosmetic changes. IGP Mike Okiro could leave a lasting legacy by reviewing and restructuring police benefits, equipping the force, stamping out corruption within and outside, enforcing discipline and turning the force into a standard heck of a crime fighting unit.

As initial step, IGP Mike Okiro needs to prepare a comprehensive budget of what and how much he needs to transform the police and take it to the national legislatures for appropriation. By that he will shift the burden to the lawmakers. If they do not give him the tools to work, they will be held accountable. And if they give him the tools, then he will deliver to his men (and women, of course) and to Nigeria.

Africans In America News Watch investigation further indicates that ground-breaking appointments such as Mike Okiro’s has possibility of enabling the international community see President Yar’Adua as independent of his predecessor, the ‘Ide kamkpe’ former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Observing this clarity may be good news for President Yar’Adua as he battles for western acceptance, approval and recognition.