By Adewole Kehinde
On Monday, June 19, 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as the Acting Inspector-General of Police.
It has been over two months now since Acting IGP Kayode Egbetokun was appointed, and I want to join prominent Nigerians, officers, and personnel of the Nigeria Police to call on President Bola Tinubu and the Police Council to confirm Acting IGP Kayode Egbetokun as the substantiative Inspector-General of Police.
My principles in this case are based on Section 7 (3) of the Police Act of 2020, which stipulates that “The Inspector-General of Police shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Police Council from among serving members of the Police Force.
Since his appointment, Kayode Egbetokun has brought insecurity across the country to the barest minimum.
For those who don’t know about the Nigeria Police Council, It is composed of specific individuals who hold key positions in the Nigerian government.
Section 215 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “There shall be: (a) an Inspector-General of Police who, subject to Section 216(2) of this Constitution, shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council from among serving members of the Nigeria Police Force.”
Paragraph 27, Part 1, Third Schedule of the Constitution provides that “The Nigeria Police Council shall comprise the following members: (a) the President, who shall be the Chairman; (b) the Governor of each State of the Federation; (c) the Chairman of the Police Service Commission; and (d) the Inspector-General of Police.”
“The functions of the Nigeria Police Council,” according to Paragraph 28, “shall include (a) the organization and administration of the Nigeria Police Force and all other matters relating thereto (not being matters relating to the use and operational control of the Force or the appointment, disciplinary control, and dismissal of members of the Force); (b) the general supervision of the Nigeria Police Force; and (c) advising the President on the appointment of the Inspector-General of Police.”
According to the Nigeria Police Act 2020, anybody who will be appointed as the IGP must possess a first degree or its equivalent.
Kayode Egbetokun is armed with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the revered University of Lagos; an MSc in Engineering Analysis also from the University of Lagos; a Certificate in Electronic Data Processing/Computer Programming from the same institution; a Masters in Business Administration from Lagos State University; a PGD in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University, Abraka; and a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Studies from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State. Egbetokun’s journey in law enforcement has left an indelible mark. Throughout his career, he has exhibited a rare blend of competence, dedication, and strategic thinking.
His career achievements are numerous and impactful. Egbetokun has served in the following capacities before his prestigious appointment as the Acting 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State Governor; Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Police Command, where he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives aimed at curbing crime and fostering community engagement. Officer in Charge of Anti-Fraud Section, FCT Police Command, Abuja, Chief Superintendent of Police (Admin), Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, Area Commander, Osogbo, Osun State Police Command, Area Commander, Gusau, Zamfara State Police Command, Commandant, Police Training School, Ikeja, Lagos, Deputy Commandant, Police College Ikeja, Lagos, Commissioner of Police, SERVICOM, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, Ilorin, Commissioner of Police, Medical Admin, Falomo, Lagos State, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, FCT, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
It’s worth noting that Egbetokun has attended several professional courses both home and abroad including Cadet Officers Course 16, 1990 at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano; Strategic Leadership and Effective Security/Safety Management Course at Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos, Squadron Commander Course, PMF Training College, Gwoza, Borno State, Combat Operation Course, PMF Training College, Ila Orangun, Osun State, Advance Detective Course (ADC), Police Staff College, Jos, Intermediate Command Course (ICC), Police Staff College, Jos, Strategic Leadership & Command Course (SLCC), Squadron Commander/Combat Operations Course, PMF Training College (Desert Camp Gwoza, Forest Camp Ila), Global Conference on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats, Lyon France, among others.
Since he assumed office, Acting IGP Kayode Egbetokun has been revolutionizing the Nigeria Police Force through visionary leadership and innovative strategies. With a focus on restructuring policing methodologies, empowering officers, fostering community partnerships, and promoting transparency.
He has continued to establish an environment in which the police force and communities work together to foster mutual respect and collaboration, to drive the police to primacy in Nigeria’s internal security framework.
Egbetokun’s confirmation as substantiative Inspector-General of Police will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s law enforcement landscape, considering his outstanding track record and transformative leadership qualities since June 2023.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached via 08166240846, kennyadewole@gmail.com
