Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on President Bola Tinubu to clarify the tenure extension for the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

The call came amid unresolved controversy surrounding the planned extension of the tenure. The CSOs, in a statement signed by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and 22 other CSOs said the controversy was indicative of broader issues within Nigeria’s law enforcement structure, touching on governance, legality, and the need for reform.

The CSOs emphasised that they and other stakeholders believed that the government’s approach would impact the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stability and public trust in the institution, noting that it was essential for the government to navigate the 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 IGP currently in circulation and the implications of tenure extension within the NPF is complex and has stirred significant debate. The letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), purportedly extending the tenure of the IGP, 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.

“If President Tinubu has not assented to the bill extending the tenure of the IGP, 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,” it stated.

The CSOs request for clarification came just as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), at the weekend, said President Bola Tinubu did not extend the tenure of the IGP.

In a statement, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP’s appointment was for four years. Adejobi said Tinubu’s recent decision on Egbetokun’s tenure was the “proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office of the IGP.”

Adejobi said Egbetokun did not need to lobby for a tenure extension, noting that his appointment was for four years. He 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, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and wishes to categorically state that what His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed 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,” the statement reads.