Group condemns Police Act amendment bill

A human rights organisation, Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has condemned the recent Amendment Bill of the Police Act 2020, passed by the National Assembly, urging President Bola Tinubu to reject the amendment.

HURMA’s Executive Director, Buna Olaitan who described the bill as self-serving, unpatriotic and undemocratic said the bill, which seeks to extend the service years of police personnel, undermines the rule of law and could cause internal discord within the force.

He alleged that the Police Act was deliberately amended to extend the tenure of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60.

The House of Representatives recently approved the Police Act Amendment Bill to allow the occupant of the office of the IGP to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment.

“The proposed legislation to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 seeks to guarantee the tenure of the IGP and enhance police operations by promoting accountability, modernising policing methods and fostering a more harmonious relationship between the police and the community.

“When the executive bill was read on the floor of the House, lawmakers were reported to have voted unanimously to pass it expeditiously,” the group said.

Speaking at the press conference at the weekend, Olaitan argued that the Bill violates the due process of law and was an attempt to bypass the constitution.

“The office of the IGP is highly strategic for the survival of a nation because of the statutory powers he exercises over full command and operational control of the Police and all its departments and units.

“Egbetokun was appointed as Inspector General of Police in the year 2023, to hold office till his retirement upon 35 years in service or attainment of the age of 60. By his official records, he is due for retirement by September 2024 when he attains the age of 60 having been born on September 4, 1964.