The Integrity Youth Alliance has said that President Tinubu has come out clean by giving his approval to the law governing the tenure of the occupant of the office of the Inspector General of Police as required.
Responding to a publication titled “CSOs Charge President Tinubu to Come Clean on Controversial IGP Tenure Extension,” on Monday, September 9, 2024, the Board Chairman of the Alliance, Adewole Kehinde said that the letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), only clarified that the IGP should complete the four-year tenure as originally stated in his letter of appointment.
“In the first instance, the so-called 61 CSOs should tell Nigerians their interest in the occupant of the office of the Inspector General of Police. We thought the CSOs should be educated enough to interpret Police Act 2020 (as amended) Section 18(8a), which states, “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.”
“There is no controversy surrounding the tenure ‘extension’ of the Inspector General of Police. The Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has finally put an end to the rumour by quoting the relevant Laws such as Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Also, there is no stoking discontent within the police force and the general public, as believed by the CSOs.
“IGP Egbetokun since his assumption of office has not relented to having a police force that is professionally competent, service-driven, rule of law-compliant, and people-friendly.
“The IGP serving his constitutional term of office cannot lead to internal discontent and indiscipline, negatively impacting police morale and effectiveness, contrary to the misinformation by the CSOs.
“As we have said on several occasions, 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, and it is our strong belief that this will allow the IGP to focus on his longer-term planning and goal-setting, the statement said.
