The Nigeria Police announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu did not approve a tenure extension for Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
The police noted that instead, the President approved the law governing the tenure of the office as required.
The IG’s continued stay in office has sparked widespread controversy, especially as Egbetokun officially reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4.
Speaking after a prolonged silence on the issue, the police in a statement by the Force’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, referenced that the IG’s appointment letter granted him a four-year tenure from the date of his appointment
He added that this was 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).
Adejobi said, “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, and wishes 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.
“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 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).
“Furthermore, the IGP 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.”
Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations have called on Tinubu to clarify the controversies that have arisen regarding the planned extension of the tenure of Egbetokun.
In a statement signed by over 23 CSOs and made available to Saturday PUNCH, by the Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the civil groups said, “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.”
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