Retired Senior Officers Differ On Rumoured IG Tenure Extension

Retired police officers have expressed mixed reactions over the rumored plan to extend the tenure of Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Egbetokun, who was appointed on June 19, 2023, is set to retire on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

However, speculations have emerged that Egbetokun’s tenure might be extended if the proposed amendment to the Police Act is signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

The amendment, which was passed by the National Assembly, allows for the tenure of the IGP to be extended beyond 60 years or 35 years of service, enabling the IGP to complete a full four-year term.

Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adedayo Adeoye, voiced his opposition to the rumored extension in an interview with Punch on Monday.

Adeoye urged President Tinubu not to sign the bill, arguing that it is important to allow the police force to follow its traditional structure and ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

Other retired officers have shared similar concerns, suggesting that extending the IGP’s tenure could demoralize other senior officers who are next in line for the top position.

They warned that such a move could create unnecessary tension and rivalry within the police force.

Meanwhile, proponents of the amendment believe that allowing an IGP to serve a full term would enhance stability and long-term planning within the force.

Adeoye said, “I know very well that the last has not been heard on that. Believe me, you can’t do such a thing without asking the populace what they feel about it. Allow the public to say their minds on the bill. My appeal to the President is that he should not sign that bill. I am not against anybody.”

But a retired Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Alobi, welcomed the rumoured planned extension, saying it would allow the IG to perfect his plans for the police.

According to Alobi, such an extension is not new to the Nigeria Police Force.

Alobi said, “The issue of office being tenured is to give the officer the time to plan and then also implement and ensure that his plans are well executed and implemented to achieve the desired results and objectives. When somebody goes to an office within one year or less than two years, and he’s taken away, when does he have to go study the ground, time to make changes? You can’t just come to an office in less than two years, and you are removed. What have you achieved? Because you must leave a legacy. I’m sure the IG wants to leave a legacy.

“Everybody wants to grow in his career. Everybody wants to get to the peak of his career but then the issue of extension is not new to the police.”

A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ali Amodu, said the choice was the President’s to make.

He said, “If he wishes to sign it nobody can stop him. He is an executive President and the Constitution gives him the power to sign or reject a bill. Well, people are complaining about what will happen to other people waiting. Will it not affect the career prospects of other officers? It is left for the President to decide.”