Over sixty Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria are keenly watching with concern developments trailing the unresolved controversy surrounding the planned extension of the tenure of Mr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun the Inspector General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This controversy is indicative of broader issues within Nigeria’s law enforcement structure, touching on governance, legality, and the need for reform. The Civil Organisations and other stakeholders believe that the government’s approach will significantly impact the Nigeria Police Force stability and public trust in the institution. It's essential for the government to navigate these waters carefully to avoid further stoking discontent within the police force and the general public. The situation surrounding a new letter of appointment purportedly for the Inspector General of Police currently in circulation and the implications of tenure extension within the Nigerian Police Force is complex and has stirred significant debate.
The letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation purportedly extending the tenure of the Police Boss, may have raised questions about its legitimacy and intent. The timing suggests a reactive measure following the ongoing discussions about police leadership and potential reforms. While Akume plays a role in the administration of government appointments and may facilitate the process, the actual appointment of the Inspector General of Police rests with the President of Nigeria. The President, based on consultation with and advice from the Police Council, formally appoints Egbetokun, usually with the approval of the National Assembly. The release of such a letter might be seen as "flying a kite," a strategy to test public reaction or gauge interest in a proposed action before fully committing to it. This enables the government to assess the temperature of public sentiment regarding the tenure extension.
If President Tinubu has not assented to the bill extending the tenure of the Inspector General Police, questions arise about where the authority for such an extension derives. Without presidential approval, any move to extend the IGP’s tenure could be viewed as legally dubious. 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.
In the media statement, the group explained that given the fact that Egbetokun has reached the age of retirement according to extant public service rules and the Police Act 2020, they and many other stakeholders believe he should be replaced to ensure adherence to established regulations and to promote capable leadership within the force.
In a swift response, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi an Assistant Commissioner of Police the Police Force Public Relations Officer through a media statement explained that the many publications on the tenure of the Inspector General of Police is not necessary.
That the attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to various misleading reports and misinterpretations concerning the tenure of Mr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun the Inspector General of Police and wishes to categorically state that what His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved for the Egbetokun is not an extension of tenure, but rather the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office.
Contrary to the misinformation being circulated on social media and in the news, an appointment letter in circulation was issued to the IGP 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 in accordance with the provisions of Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
It is important to emphasize that the IGP does not need to lobby for any tenure extension as his appointment letter explicitly grants him a four-year tenure from the date of his appointment. The ongoing circulation of false information is clearly the handiwork of pessimists and mischief makers who are determined to spread baseless narratives against the office and the personality of the IGP for obvious reasons and pecuniary gains.
Furthermore, the Police Boss has since been issued with another letter in accordance 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.
"We urge the public to disregard the unfounded reports and to trust that the tenure of the IGP is in full compliance with the laws governing the Nigeria Police Force. In clear terms, IGP's tenure of office is not subject to unnecessary debate and should not be a source of perennial distraction to policing system in Nigeria. The law is sacrosanct" Adejobi said.
