The Integrity Youth Alliance, an organisation that has been monitoring the development trends in the Nigeria Police Force for over 15 years, has said that President Bola Tinubu never “pressed” the National Assembly to revise the Police Act 2020 (as amended) in July, but rather clarification was made on Section 7 subsection 6.
Responding to a publication by an online media headline titled “IGP Egbetokun Should Have Retired Today—But Tinubu Made NASS Revise the Law,” the alliance board chairman, Adewole Kehinde, said that against the backdrop of reports that his tenure was extended, he clarified that the letter was not an extension but rather a confirmation that he should complete the four-year tenure as originally stated in his letter of appointment.
“The tenure of the IGP was not extended but rather a clarification on his letter of appointment that stipulated four years in office.”
Adewole further corrected the misconception that the “Senate modified Section 18 of the original Nigerian Police Act of 2020 by adding a new Sub-Section (8A) to it: ‘“(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.’
“What the Senate did was clarification that enables a person appointed to the office of Inspector General of Police to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment, irrespective of age or years in service.
“Section 18(8a), “Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act,” the bill reads.
“Therefore, Egbetokun did not receive a letter of tenure extension but a clarification letter from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday.
“The completion of his 4-year tenure will ensure continuity and stability within the Nigeria Police. This will help maintain institutional knowledge and prevent turnover-related disruptions.
“The 4-year tenure will lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out responsibilities.
“It is our strong belief that this will allow the IGP to focus on his longer-term planning and goal-setting, the statement said.
