Police Debunk Tenure Extension Claims, Confirms IGP Egbetokun’s Legal Appointment

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun’s appointment is in line with the law, not a tenure extension.

The clarification comes in response to widespread reports misinterpreting the nature of IGP Egbetokun’s appointment.

In a statement issued by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Muyiwa Adejobi, the police addressed the misleading claims circulating on social media and news platforms.

The Police stressed that there is no need for the IGP to seek an extension, as his appointment letter already guarantees him a four-year term from the date of his confirmation.

The Force described the rumors as the work of pessimists and mischief-makers attempting to spread baseless narratives for personal gain.

The statement read, “Contrary to the misinformation being circulated on social media and in the news, an appointment letter in circulation was issued to the IGP shortly after his appointment was confirmed by the Police Council.

“This letter, dated 3rd November 2023, clearly stated that the President had approved a four-year tenure for the IGP in accordance with the provisions of Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“It is important to emphasize that the IGP does not need to lobby for any tenure extension as his appointment letter explicitly grants him a four-year tenure from the date of his appointment.

“The ongoing circulation of false information is clearly the handiwork of pessimists and mischief makers who are determined to spread baseless narratives against the office and the personality of the IGP for obvious reasons and pecuniary gains.

“Furthermore, the IGP has since been issued with another letter in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which supersedes the earlier correspondence.

“This clarification is necessary to put an end to the speculations and falsehoods being spread.

“We urge the public to disregard the unfounded reports and to trust that the tenure of the IGP is in full compliance with the laws governing the Nigeria Police Force.

“In clear terms, IGP’s tenure of office is not subject to unnecessary debate and should not be a source of perennial distraction to policing system in Nigeria. The law is sacrosanct.”