Tension Rises As Bode George, Opposition Parties Fault Tinubu For Keeping IGP Egbetokun

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has sparked widespread debate, with key political figures and parties sharply divided on the matter.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, called on the Federal Government to prioritize the creation of state police instead of focusing on appointments. Speaking with PUNCH, George said the President had the constitutional power to appoint or retain service chiefs but argued that such decisions would not resolve Nigeria’s deep-rooted security crisis.

“I don’t know if retaining the IG has ethnic undertones,” George remarked. “The two major problems the British left us are religious and tribal bigotry. Everything we do in this country is seen through those lenses.”

George acknowledged that Tinubu’s reshuffle among the service chiefs appeared balanced across regions but hinted that political factors might have influenced Egbetokun’s retention. He lamented that the military’s involvement in politics had eroded professionalism, stressing that insecurity would persist until Nigeria adopts state policing. “Policing is local,” he said. “We can’t keep pretending that a centralised police force can effectively secure over 200 million people.”

Meanwhile, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) questioned the rationale behind extending Egbetokun’s tenure despite his reaching the official retirement age. The party’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, said, “The President has replaced other service chiefs, so why retain the IGP? Like other Nigerians, we’re watching.”

However, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Young Progressives Party (YPP) commended Tinubu’s decision, describing it as one made in the interest of national security. APGA spokesman, Ejimofor Opara, stated that the President’s access to intelligence justified the move. YPP’s Wale Martins, while welcoming the reshuffle, argued that the changes should have been more extensive.

Martins added, “Retaining an IGP who is due for retirement raises concerns about the need for new energy and fresh ideas. Those who have been part of the old order may not deliver the transformation Nigerians expect in the security sector.”