CSOs Urge President Tinubu to Clarify IGP Tenure Extension Controversy

Maryam Aminu

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), in Nigeria have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide clarity on the unresolved controversy surrounding the planned extension of the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.

The ongoing debate, they argue, highlights broader concerns within Nigeria’s law enforcement structure, including governance, legality, and the need for urgent reforms.

In a statement jointly signed by 61 Civil Society Organisations and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, the CSOs believed that how the government handles this issue will significantly impact the stability of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and public trust in the institution. They stress the importance of carefully navigating the situation to avoid fostering discontent within the police force and among the general public.

A new letter of appointment purportedly extending the IGP’s tenure, reportedly signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has sparked significant debate.

Questions have been raised regarding the letter’s legitimacy and the intent behind it. The timing of its release suggests a possible attempt by the government to gauge public reaction or interest in the proposed tenure extension before making a definitive decision.

According to Nigeria’s constitution, the appointment of the IGP is a prerogative of the President, typically following consultations with the Police Council and the approval of the National Assembly. However, if President Tinubu has not endorsed the bill extending the IGP’s tenure, the legitimacy of any such extension becomes questionable.

CSOs argued that extending IGP Egbetokun’s tenure, despite his having reached the mandatory retirement age as stipulated by the Public Service Rules and the Police Act of 2020, could potentially undermine internal discipline, career progression, and morale within the NPF.

They contend that a replacement should be appointed to ensure adherence to established regulations and to promote capable leadership within the force.

These organizations emphasize the need for President Tinubu to come clean on the matter to prevent further uncertainty and to uphold the integrity of the nation’s law enforcement agencies.