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Police Address Rumors on IG’s Tenure Extension

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 7th, 2024.

Police Address Rumors on IG’s Tenure Extension

The Nigeria Police Force clarified on Friday that President Bola Tinubu did not authorize an extension of the tenure for Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.

The clarification comes amid growing controversy surrounding Egbetokun’s continued service, as he officially reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4. The Police Force’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that the President’s approval was in line with existing laws governing the IGP’s tenure, not an extension.

According to Adejobi, the confusion stems from misinterpretations and inaccurate reports circulating in the media and online. He explained that Egbetokun’s appointment letter, dated November 3, 2023, granted him a four-year term from the date of his appointment, as stipulated by Sections 215(a) and 28(c) of the Nigerian Constitution.

Adejobi added that a subsequent letter, in line with the Police Act, 2020, has superseded the earlier one. This new letter reaffirms the legal basis for the IGP’s tenure, dispelling rumors of an unauthorized extension.

In response to the ongoing debate, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have urged President Tinubu to address the concerns about the IGP’s tenure. Over 23 CSOs, led by Okechukwu Nwanguma of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, expressed worry that the tenure extension could lead to internal dissatisfaction within the Nigeria Police Force. They warned that such dissatisfaction could undermine police morale and effectiveness.