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 it is not the duty of the Inspector-General of Police to promote senior officers but that of the Police Service Commission.
Reacting to a publication by Sahara Reporters titled, “Nigerian Police Service Commission Petitioned To Probe Retired AIGs Who Allegedly Still Perform Official Duties,” the publicity director of the alliance, Danjuma Lamido, said even though the publication said, “The continued involvement of the retired officers in their roles prevents deserving individuals, who have met the necessary qualifications and service requirements, from receiving the promotions they deserve.” the Inspector-General of Police has the power to re-engage a retired police officer for two years.
“Egbetokun is an IGP that thinks critically with good judgement, integrity, and empathy. He can de-escalate situations; he is committed to upholding the law and can adapt to diverse situations while remaining fair and respectful towards all individuals; therefore, his decision cannot create an unjust environment that undermines morale and trust within the police force, as well as among the citizens they serve.
“We are aware of the letter to the PSC which stated that AIG Oyediran Oyeyemi Adesoye, who served as a key member of the Police Cooperatives Lagos and retired in April 2024, along with AIG Stephen O. Olarewaju who retired 1st October 2024 as Head of works and AIG Danladi Bitrus Lalas, the Head of Police Airwing who retired on the 5th November 2024, is reportedly continuing to perform their official duties as if they were still in active service but from our understanding, under Part III of the Police Act (as amended) – Appointment, removal, function and powers of Inspector General of Police, subsection 9 (6) The Inspector-General of Police may: (a) re-engage a retired police officer for two years; and (b) upon application by the retired police officer, re-engage him for another period of two years, Danjuma said.
“It is laughable to say that ‘the continued involvement of these retired officers in their roles prevents deserving individuals, who have met the necessary qualifications and service requirements, from receiving the promotions they rightfully deserve. This creates an unjust environment that undermines morale and trust within the police force, as well as among the citizens they serve.
“First of all, the IGP has the power to appoint whoever is competent to fill a vacancy in the Force, and it doesn’t need to be the second in command of the person retiring.
“We wish to state categorically that IGP Egbetokun, as a man with honour, great character, well-disciplined with integrity, and empathy will continue to pursue his mission of the Nigeria Police Force, which includes being professionally competent, service-driven, compliant with the rule of law, people-friendly, supporting the government’s agenda for economic recovery, growth, social integration, and political development, symbolising excellence, integrity, and compassion, creating a future where justice triumphs, creating a future where citizens can go about their lawful businesses without fear, and creating a future where citizens can truly believe in the power of law enforcement.
