A Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance has said that the Tenure of IGP Usman Alkali Baba is in order and has not violated any Law or Extant Law.
In a joint statement signed Comrade Olufemi Lawson and Comrade Declan Ihekaire said that First and foremost, the office of the IGP is by appointment, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and is subject only to approval by the National Assembly and input by the Police Service Commission. This is explicit in the Police Act.
An excerpt is the full text of the press release. “Having watched the recent call and drumming of the campaign for the removal of the incumbent Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, by some individuals in the country, it has become important for us, to state our opinion, in tandem with the rule of law, particularly as it concerns one of Nigeria’s foremost law enforcement agency.
“It is important that issues be put into proper perspective and such callers called to caution in their display of ignorance misconstrued to be an interpretation of the law.
“First and foremost, the office of the IGP is by appointment, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and is subject only to approval by the National Assembly and input by the Police Service Commission. This is explicit in the Police Act.
“It should be clearly stated, that the office of the IGP is an appointment, by the Commander, and not attained, as a result of promotion or ranking in the service.
“The tenure of the present IGP was never extended, as being erroneously presented by some politically biased Nigerians.
“IGP Usman Baba Alkali was appointed for a 4-year tenure as provided for in Sec 7(6) and (3) of the Police Act 2020.
“His letter of appointment was in pursuant to sections 215 (1) (a) and 28 (c) of the 3rd Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
“It should also be noted, that the letter of appointment of the current IGP, was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, in a letter no SGF.20/S.6/83 dated 30th November 2021.
“It is worthy of note and for the records too, that there is a decided case on the eligibility of the Inspector General of Police, to remain in office, and the verdict, is that his stay in the office, as the IGP, is constitutional.
“While staying on the side of caution not to believe that those who are calling for the removal of IGP Usman Baba Alkali, now being paid to do so, mostly from some Politicians and Police officers, who are eyeing the office, it is important to state that the callers should stay on the path of honour by respecting the provision of our laws as we need to have a law that will work, and we need to set good precedence about our laws.
“The Police Act 2020 has come to stay, and let it be noted again, that section 7(6) of the Police Act, 2020 provides that a person appointed as IGP shall hold office for four years.
“While we hope that a clearer understanding of the process and procedure of the appointment of an IGP and in this case that of Usman Baba Alkali will put paid to the campaign of hatred and calumny, we also believe in our laws been tested, hence the call that whoever feels aggrieved and uncomfortable with the position of the law should approach the court and seek redress and not violating the rule of integrity by cheap blackmail of the person and office of the IGP.
“We will continue to uphold the rule of law, in the overall interest of our Democracy.
