Reaction From Police Following IGP’s Reported Three-Year Extension

Published September 3, 2024 at 10:40 AM

Reaction From Police Following IGP’s Reported Three-Year Extension

The Nigeria Police have responded to reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu has extended the tenure of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. According to Naija News, a source told Daily Trust that President Tinubu has reportedly granted a three-year extension to Egbetokun, whose current term was set to end on September 4, 2024. Egbetokun, appointed IGP in June 2023, will turn 60 on the day of his scheduled retirement.

An anonymous senior police officer informed Daily Trust that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, issued a letter confirming the extension on Monday.

However, when asked about the extension on TVC, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that he could not confirm the report. He emphasized that any official announcement regarding the IGP’s tenure extension is the prerogative of the President. Adejobi directed further inquiries to the federal government, noting that the IGP himself, or any other individual within the police force, does not have the authority to announce such decisions.

In related news, Naija News reported that on July 23, the Senate passed a bill amending the Police Act 2020. The new provision under Section 8 stipulates that public servants must retire after either 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age. The amendment now states, “(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.”