MURIC faults alleged tenure elongation for Egbetokun

PSC says it lacks powers over IGP

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has stated that the alleged tenure elongation for the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is capable of eroding efficiency, breeding division within the force and diminishing public confidence.

“An executive bill passed by both the green and red houses on the same day paved the way for a new Section 18(8A) of the Police Act to enforce Section 7(6) of the Act.
  
“While conceding the fact that the issue of the extension of the IGP’s tenure does not fall within the immediate ambit of promoting and protecting Allah-given fundamental human rights of Nigerian Muslims which is the main focus of MURIC, there is no gainsaying the fact that the matter has a bearing on the security and welfare of all Nigerians of whom Muslims are an integral part.
  
“We nurse the fear that the tenure extension given to the IGP is capable of eroding efficiency, breeding division within the force and diminishing public confidence. This is not good enough for a security institution that has just started gaining public confidence through effective policing.”

BUT the Police Service Commission (PSC) has denied urging the IGP to resign. The body insisted that it had no power to take such action. According to PSC’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the commission has been inundated with calls, messages and reports on the status of the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, in the aftermath of the commission’s decision, directing all serving police officers, who have served for 35 years or attained the age of 60 years, to proceed on immediate retirement in line with the nation’s existing laws.