A coalition of 61 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised concerns over the recent extension of the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement released on Friday, the groups stressed the potential impact of the extension on the stability of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and public trust in the institution.
President Tinubu’s decision to extend the IGP’s tenure follows the amended Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which increases police personnel’s service years from 35 to 40 and extends the retirement age from 60 to 65. However, the CSOs argue that this move has sparked significant debate, raising questions about its legality and timing.
“The situation surrounding the letter of appointment purportedly extending the IGP’s tenure has generated controversy and raised questions about its legitimacy,” the statement read. “Without presidential approval of the amendment, the extension of the IGP’s tenure could be seen as legally questionable.”
The CSOs warned that extending Egbetokun’s tenure could lead to dissatisfaction within the NPF, particularly among officers whose career progression might be affected. Such discontent, they noted, could harm police morale and effectiveness.
They further emphasized the importance of replacing the IGP in line with public service rules and the Police Act 2020, stating that Egbetokun has reached the mandatory retirement age. The CSOs called for adherence to established regulations and the promotion of capable leadership within the force.
The statement was signed by several prominent CSOs, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), BudgIT Foundation, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), among others. The groups urged the government to act carefully to avoid stoking further discontent within the police force and the general public.
