The Integrity Youth Alliance, an organisation that has been monitoring the development trends in the Nigeria Police Force for over 15 years, has corrected a false publication that Egbetokun’s tenure was extended by the Police Service Commission (PSC) after the Police Act was amended.
Reacting to a publication titled “Egbetokun’s Tenure Extension May Weaken Police Structure—MURIC,” the Publicity Director of the Alliance, Danjuma Lamido, said that Egbetokun’s tenure was not extended as his letter of appointment is based on Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, which specifies that the person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.
“However, Section 7(6) provides for a four-year tenure for the IGP, creating a legal ambiguity between the general retirement provisions and the specific tenure of the IGP. It was to address this inconsistency that the National Assembly passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024.
“This amendment introduces a new subsection, 18(8A), which states: “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (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.”
“This amendment clarifies that the IGP is entitled to a four-year tenure, regardless of the general retirement age or years of service limitations. Based on this, it is expected that IGP Egbetokun is legally permitted to continue serving until 2027, completing his four-year term as outlined in his appointment letter.
“We therefore correct MURIC’s misconception that Egbetokun’s tenure was extended. Egbetokun’s legal appointment has brought about professionalism, efficiency, unity, and the highest public confidence.
