Police React As IGP Allegedly Gets Three Years Tenure Extension

The Nigeria Police has reacted to reports that President Bola Tinubu has extended the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Naija News reports that President Tinubu, according to a source who spoke with Daily Trust, extended the tenure of Egbetoku by three years.

The IGP should retire on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Egbetokun, who was appointed IGP in June 2023, will clock 60 tomorrow.

The Senior Police Officer who spoke to Daily Trust on anonymity disclosed that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, gave a letter of extension to Egbetokun on Monday.

Speaking with TVC on Monday evening, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said he cannot confirm the tenure extension.

He explained that it was the duty of the President to announce the extension of the IGP’s extension. He asked further inquiries to be directed to the federal government.

“I do not know. I’m not aware, as far as I’m aware, it is at the discretion of the President to announce the extension of the tenure of the IG. The IG didn’t appoint himself, he was appointed by the president with the approval of the police council.

“If there is going to be an extension, the question should be directed to the federal government. I’m not competent to announce the extension of the IGP. Even the IGP as a person is not competent to announce his extension in office. I think the right channel is to find from the government to know what is the decision of the president on that,” Adejobi said.

Naija News reported that the Senate, on July 23, passed a bill that amended the Police Act 2020 introducing a new clause under Section 8, that mandates public servants to retire after 35 years of service or at 60 years of age.

The new alteration read, “(8) Notwithstanding any other provision, every police officer shall serve in the Nigeria Police Force for 40 years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first.”