By Danjuma Lamido
Once again, Nigeria’s serial presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, has resorted to his familiar pattern of reckless outbursts, this time at the Federal High Court, where he blurted out, “I am disappointed in the Nigeria Police Force IG, Egbetokun.”
To anyone who has followed Sowore’s theatrics over the years, this latest episode is unsurprising. What is surprising, however, is how a man who has contested for president twice, yet has not mastered even basic decorum, still imagines that Nigerians take him seriously.
For months, Sowore has obsessively fixated on calling IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun an “illegal IGP”, repeating the line so frequently that it now sounds like political noise rather than a reasoned argument. He shouts, he postures, and he blusters, but he has never dared to challenge the IGP’s tenure in court.
If Sowore believes his own claims, the courts are open. Nigerians are waiting. But the man prefers press tantrums to legal clarity.
The Law Is Clear: Egbetokun’s Tenure Is Fully Backed By The Police Act 2020
Sowore’s claims crumble under the weight of very simple facts.
Section 7(6) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 explicitly states that a person appointed as Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for a four-year term.
This provision gives the IGP a legally protected tenure, one that is not tied to retirement age and can be affirmed by the President through a letter of appointment.
Furthermore, Section 18(8a) reinforces this by providing that the IGP remains in office until the end of that four-year tenure, as stipulated by the letter of appointment.
There is no ambiguity. There is no illegality. There is nothing to contest, at least not for anyone who has read the law.
So all the shouting outside courtrooms and on social media is nothing but political theatre.
Who Benefits From Sowore’s Attacks?
It is hard to ignore the whispers circulating within police and civic circles: that certain disgruntled individuals may be nudging Sowore to create chaos and damage the reputation of the IGP, hoping to position themselves for personal advantage.
Whether this is true or not, what is obvious is that Sowore’s statements regularly align with the interests of those who hope to undermine ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Police Force.
Sowore has long been associated with sensationalism and aggressive journalism through Sahara Reporters. Critics argue that he often relies on dramatic accusations rather than verified facts, a habit that seems to be spilling into his political commentary.
Egbetokun Remains Unbothered And Focused On Reforms
Thankfully, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has refused to be distracted by these noisy attempts to provoke him. While Sowore is busy with outbursts, Egbetokun is busy reforming the Nigeria Police Force with clarity and purpose.
His leadership has been marked by a bold effort to professionalise the police, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen community trust. Under his watch:
- Police capacity is being massively upgraded through modern training
- Officers are being equipped with improved tools and contemporary policing technology
- Proactive, intelligence-driven strategies are being used to combat crime
- Welfare improvements are helping boost morale
- Accountability measures are expanding to rebuild public confidence
This is the work of a man focused on nation-building, not on trading insults with political performers.
Conclusion
While Sowore continues to chase attention through inflammatory remarks, IGP Egbetokun continues to work, quietly, steadily, and lawfully, to build a police force that is more professional, more disciplined, and more trusted by the Nigerian people.
Nigeria needs reformers, not noise-makers. And on this score, the difference between both men could not be clearer.
Danjuma Lamido writes from Yola, Adamawa State. email: danjumalamido2011@gmail.com
