Positive reactions have trailed the news of the nomination, by President Goodluck Jonathan, of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sir Mike Okiro, as the new Chairman of Nigeria’s Police Service Commission (PSC).

The appointment, according to Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), “is salutary.”

Writing on his Facebook wall around 9:30 p.m. Nigerian time, Onwubiko said: “He’s a man of incredible zeal and discipline and indeed one of the few former IGs that left office with their credibility intact. I wish him success but his job is arduous because police which he led at one time is in a total mess.”

Onwubiko’s post attracted largely positive reactions. One respondent, Uloma Peace Bridget, congratulated Okiro, describing him as a “man of integrity and good conscience” as well as “pillar of Nigeria security.”

On his part, Chibueze Emmanuel described the appointment as “very commendable coming at this time that the current IGP wants to Islamize and Hausanize the Nigeria Police Force.”

Reports from Abuja and Lagos spoke of jubilation in police barracks. Police men who commented on the appointment expressed gratitude to President Jonathan, expressing hope that Okiro, whose nomination still needs to be confirmed by the Senate, would further reform the police as he did during his days as IGP.

If confirmed, the 63 years old Okiro will replace Chief Parry Osayande who quit the job last month.

•Photo shows Okiro.