Tinubu didn’t approve tenure extension for IGP

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not approve a tenure extension for Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement released on Friday, the police said that the President approved the application of the law governing the tenure of the IG’s office as stipulated.

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Egbetokun’s continued tenure has been controversial, particularly as he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4.

According to the Police Act, officers must retire upon reaching 60 years of age or after 35 years of service.

Although there was an attempt to amend the retirement age in the Police Act, the bill, passed by the National Assembly, has not yet been signed by President Tinubu. This has led to speculation that the President extended the IG’s tenure, fueled by a letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Addressing these speculations, Police Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the IG’s appointment letter, dated November 3, 2023, granted a four-year tenure from the date of appointment in line with Sections 215(a) and 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

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Adejobi clarified, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that President Bola Tinubu approved the proper application of the law governing the IG’s tenure, not an extension. Contrary to the misinformation circulating, the appointment letter issued to the IG confirmed a four-year tenure from his appointment date.”

He further noted that the IG’s current appointment does not require lobbying for an extension, as his tenure has not yet fully elapsed. Adejobi attributed the false information to mischief-makers aiming to undermine the IG’s office.

Additionally, Adejobi revealed that the IG had received another letter in accordance with the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), superseding the earlier appointment letter.

He concluded, “We urge the public to disregard unfounded reports and trust that the IG’s tenure is in full compliance with the law. The tenure is not open to debate and should not distract from the policing system in Nigeria. The law remains paramount.”