The Integrity Youth Alliance, an organization that has been monitoring the development trends in the Nigeria Police Force for over 15 years, has said that tenure extension is strictly for the Inspector General of Police and is in line with Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020.
Reacting to some publication in some section of the media, the Alliance’s Board Chairman, Comrade Adewole Kehinde, said IGP’s position waspp an appointment, and this was clarified in 2023 when Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja held that the retirement of Inspector General of Police from the Nigeria Police Force has nothing to do with his appointment on the ground that the four-year tenure is sacrosanct; therefore, the extension will not lead to any distortion of the system.
“The amendment bill represents a critical turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to create a police force that is more resilient, adaptable, and welcoming to the public.
“President Tinubu values the dedication to work of the Inspector General of Police, and the bill is a message to IGP Kayode Egbetokun to carry on the reform of the Nigeria Police for the next three years, Adewole said.
On the four DIGs who are due for retirement on or before December 25th, Adewole said that they will all go as an example has been set by the Force Secretary who retired at the age of 60 years; the amendment only affects the Inspector General of Police and not the entire management team; therefore, there is no suspense within the Force.
President Tinubu, as the President, establishes the nation’s security framework. In light of the Nigeria Police Act change, he has the right to request that Egbetokun serve out his four-year term or retire, the statement concluded.
