The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not grant a tenure extension to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Instead, the President approved the proper application of the law governing the IGP’s tenure, ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.
The announcement follows widespread controversy surrounding IGP Egbetokun’s continued stay in office after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4, 2024. Many speculated that the President had extended the IGP’s tenure, prompting public debate and concern.
In an official statement released on Friday by the Force’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police addressed the confusion, emphasizing that the IGP’s tenure is in line with legal requirements.
Adejobi stated, “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to various misleading reports and misinterpretations concerning the tenure of the Inspector General of Police.
“We wish to categorically state that what President Bola Tinubu approved for the IGP is not an extension of tenure, but rather the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office of the IGP.”
Adejobi explained that the IGP’s appointment letter, issued after his confirmation by the Police Council, granted him a four-year tenure starting from the date of his appointment. This decision is in accordance with Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Adejobi added, “Contrary to the misinformation being circulated on social media and in the news, an appointment letter in circulation was issued to the IG shortly after his appointment was confirmed by the Police Council.
“This letter, dated 3rd November 2023, clearly stated that the President had approved a four-year tenure for the IGP.”
Furthermore, Adejobi noted that the IGP has since received another letter in line with the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which supersedes the earlier correspondence.
“This clarification is necessary to put an end to the speculations and falsehoods being spread,” he concluded.
Despite the police’s clarification, the situation has drawn reactions from civil society organizations (CSOs) across the country. Over 23 CSOs, led by the Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, have urged President Tinubu to address the controversies surrounding the IGP’s tenure.
In a statement made available to Saturday PUNCH, the civil groups expressed concerns that the perceived extension could cause unrest within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
“The planned extension has the potential to create tension and dissatisfaction within the NPF, particularly among officers who might feel their career advancement is being undermined. This could lead to internal discontent and indiscipline, negatively impacting police morale and effectiveness,” the CSOs warned.