By Danjuma Lamido
The recent remarks by the African Action Congress (AAC) Presidential Candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, as “illegal” only confirm a troubling pattern: loud opinions built on shallow assumptions and political sensationalism rather than facts.
It has become necessary to enlighten this ignorance before it spreads further.
To begin with, IGP Kayode Egbetokun is not an “illegal IGP”. His appointment, tenure, and continuation in office are fully grounded in the Nigeria Police Act 2020 (as amended).
Unlike previous dispensations in which tenure extensions were granted, Egbetokun has never received any such extension. His four-year tenure is legitimate, clearly substantiated, and fully in line with the provisions of the law.
These are facts accessible to anyone willing to be guided by truth rather than political grudges.
Sowore’s latest social media post, mocking the government’s directive to withdraw police officers from VIPs as a so-called “Christmas bonanza”, is yet another demonstration of mischief over substance.
The directive is not a bonanza; it is a bold reform policy. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a clear national security directive, and as a disciplined, professional officer, IGP Egbetokun is expected to obey, and he has done so without drama, sentiment, or noise. That is what leadership looks like.
Indeed, those who understand policing know that VIP over-protection has drained manpower from core policing duties for years. Correcting that anomaly is long overdue.
If Sowore chooses to trivialise a major reform, one designed to put more officers back on the streets for real policing, he does so out of political spite, not public interest.
What is even more worrying is the consistency of his bitterness toward progress. Every major institutional reform seems to irritate him rather than inspire him. It is becoming obvious that Sowore’s hostility toward IGP Egbetokun is less about governance and more about personal resentment. But governance cannot be shaped around the emotions of one man seeking relevance.
While critics rant on social media, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been implementing the most significant police reforms Nigeria has seen in years, through the leadership of IGP Egbetokun.
From improved welfare and operational strategies to restructuring manpower deployment and enhancing police visibility, the reforms are real, measurable, and impactful.
But to those committed to negativity, progress is always an inconvenience. That is why Sowore will continue to position himself on the opposite side of development, because reforms that strengthen institutions weaken the old political tactic of chaos-mongering.
In the end, Nigerians must separate constructive criticism from habitual antagonism. Sowore’s latest attack falls squarely in the latter.
The facts are clear: IGP Egbetokun is legally appointed. His tenure is properly backed by law; He is professionally implementing presidential directives. The ongoing reforms are strengthening the Nigeria Police Force.
If this troubles Sowore, it is only because he stands, by choice, on the wrong side of progress.
Danjuma Lamido writes from Yola, Adamawa State, email: danjumalamido2011@gmail.com
