By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), wishes to make its position known on the recent controversy regarding the continued stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
It would be recalled that the appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from October 31, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on September 4, 2024.
We are not unaware of the fact 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, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.
It was as a result of this amendment to the Police Act that the IG and those who are on his side as he continues to occupy the highest position in the police force cling to and use to proof the legality of his continued stay in office which they claimed has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including October 31, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.
We at CDHR strongly condemn the continued stay in office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in clear violation of the Civil Service Rule, due process, and democratic principles. This brazen disregard for the rule of law undermines public trust in the Nigeria Police Force and erodes the credibility of our democratic institutions.
The civil service Rule has been incorporated into the Police Act as the retirement age of every Police officer 60 years or 35 years of service whichever comes first.
This provision is the foundation as you cannot be IGP without being a serving officer in the Police Force. Morally and ethically, the IGP is a civil servant who should be bound by the Civil Service Rules.
Any attempt to extend or manipulate this tenure for the IGP outside legal frameworks is an affront to the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability. It sets a dangerous precedent for impunity, political interference, and the weakening of institutional integrity.
Inasmuch as we are not discountenancing his wealth of experience but then if the older ones don’t go the younger ones will not ascend the ladder, so he should be kind enough to relinquish the post for somebody that is younger in obedience to the Public Service Rules.
Moreover, the rights of his junior officers to career progression and advancement should not be truncated, stunted or stagnated.
We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law by ensuring the immediate appointment of a new Inspector General of Police in line with constitutional provisions.
Furthermore, we urge the National Assembly, civil society organizations, and all well-meaning Nigerians to resist any attempts to subvert the sanctity of our laws and democratic processes.
The Nigeria Police Force is a critical institution responsible for safeguarding lives, properties, and the overall security of the nation. Its leadership must reflect competence, integrity, and strict adherence to the law, rather than political maneuvering.
We demand immediate action to restore public confidence in the rule of law and ensure that the principles of democracy are upheld. Nigeria cannot afford to sacrifice legality on the altar of personal or political interests.
