The recent extension of the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) tenure has drawn heavy criticism from senior officers. This controversy erupted after the National Assembly’s swift amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which now allows the IGP to serve a fixed four-year term regardless of age or length of service.
The current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who took office in June 2023, will turn 60 on September 4, 2024. Under the new amendment, he is permitted to complete his full term. This change is enshrined in Section 7 (6) of the 2020 Act and reinforced by a new subsection (8A) in Section 18, enabling any appointed IGP to remain in office despite the usual retirement rules.
Many senior police officers feel this amendment directly favors IGP Egbetokun, leading to accusations of bias and favoritism. “This undermines merit and loyalty,” said one senior officer, who chose to remain anonymous. According to him, this move could harm morale and set a harmful precedent, potentially embedding nepotism at the highest levels of the police force.
Retired senior officers share these concerns. They recall times when, despite financial constraints, efforts were made to ensure fairness and avoid favoritism within the force. They argue that the current legislative changes could further demoralize the police, negatively impacting its effectiveness.
