Former Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, has defended the extension of the tenure of the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, stating that the decision is legal and grounded in competence.
In a statement titled “The Tenure of IGP Egbetokun: The Controversy over the Extension of Tenure,” Ehindero emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional authority to determine who leads the Nigeria Police Force.
“I know Egbetokun well. He was the ADC to President Tinubu when I was the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 2, covering Lagos and Ogun States. If the President chooses to work with him for four years, as permitted by law, so be it. His competence is unquestionable,” Ehindero stated.
He further highlighted that tenure extensions for IGPs have historically been contentious, citing his own experiences in 2005 and 2007, when his extensions were challenged in court but ultimately upheld.
Referring to existing legal frameworks, he noted, “The Police Act 2020 and the amended Police Act 2024 allow the IGP to serve a four-year tenure, regardless of age or years of service. This prevents policy instability caused by frequent leadership changes.”
Addressing concerns from officers affected by tenure extensions, Ehindero underscored the distinction between enlistment and appointment dates, affirming that officers must retire upon reaching 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service.
He concluded by reaffirming the President’s prerogative in selecting an IGP, stating, “The appointment of an Inspector General of Police is inherently political. The President must choose someone he trusts, and no amount of pressure can alter that decision.”
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