From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government has dismissed claims that the continued stay in office by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, is illegal and unlawful.
The clarification follows the controversy surrounding the tenure of IGP Egbetokun having attained the retirement age of 60 on September 4, 2024.
Omoyele Sowore, the Convener of #RevolutionNow Movement and publisher of SaharaReporters, recently described Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP”.
While the Police had filed a 16-count charge against Sowore over his remarks about the IGP, the AGF in a statement, explained that Egbetokun, whose appointment took effect from October 31, 2023, would remain in office until October 31, 2027, when his four-year tenure will elapse.
Fagbemi explained that before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four-year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, even though he has attained the age of 60 years.
The Senate had in July 2023 passed the Police Act Amendment Bill, 2024, to guarantee a four-year tenure of office for an IGP.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023″, Fagbemi said, adding that the advisory was necessary for the guidance of the general public.
Similarly, defending the IGP, the force headquarters said the appointment is legal and duly confirmed by the Police Council.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr Omoyele Sowore, alleging that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is illegal.
“Such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
“IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended).
“This provision explicitly states that “The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.”
“Moreover, his appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, in line with the provisions of Section 8A of the executive bill passed which amended the Police Act, clearly stating that:
“Any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of section 7(6) of this Act.
‘The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination. This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the police force in maintaining law and order in the country.”
