CDHR Opposes Tenure Elongation For IGP Egbetokun

LAGOS – The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) wishes to make its position known on the recent controversy regarding the continued stay in office of the In­spector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

It would be recalled that the appointment of Egbetokun, which took effect from October 31, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years on September 4, 2024.

The CDHR, in a statement signed by its president, Debo Adeniran, stated that it was not unaware of the fact that before Egbetokun’s retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to re­main and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwith­standing the fact that he had at­tained the age of 60.

The group noted that it was as a result of this amendment to the Police Act that the IG and those who on his side had continued to occupy the highest position in the Police Force cling to and use to proof the legality of his con­tinued stay in office, which they claimed had therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including Oc­tober 31, 2027 in order to complete the four-year tenure granted to him.

It said: “We at CDHR strongly condemn the continued stay in office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in clear violation of the Civil Service Rule, due pro­cess, and democratic principles.

“This brazen disregard for the rule of law undermines public trust in the Nigeria Police Force and erodes the credibility of our democratic institutions.

“The Civil Service Rule has been incorporated into the Po­lice Act as the retirement age of every Police officer 60 years or 35 years of service whichever comes first.

“This provision is the foun­dation as you cannot be IGP without being a serving officer in the Police Force. Morally and ethically, the IGP is a civil servant who should be bound by the Civil Service Rules.

“Any attempt to extend or ma­nipulate this tenure for the IGP outside legal frameworks is an affront to the principles of jus­tice, fairness, and accountability.

“It sets a dangerous precedent for impunity, political interfer­ence, and the weakening of in­stitutional integrity.

“Inasmuch as we are not discountenancing his wealth of experience, but then, if the older ones do not go, the younger ones will not ascend the ladder.

“So, he should be kind enough to relinquish the post for some­body that is younger in obedience to the Public Service Rules.

“Moreover, the rights of his junior officers to career progres­sion and advancement should not be truncated, stunted or stagnated.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law by ensuring the immediate appointment of a new Inspector General of Police in line with constitutional provisions.

“Furthermore, we urge the National Assembly, civil society organisations, and all well-mean­ing Nigerians to resist any at­tempts to subvert the sanctity of our laws and democratic pro­cesses.

“The Nigeria Police Force is a critical institution responsible for safeguarding lives, properties, and the overall security of the na­tion. Its leadership must reflect competence, integrity, and strict adherence to the law, rather than political maneuvering.

“We demand immediate ac­tion to restore public confidence in the rule of law and ensure that the principles of democracy are upheld.

“Nigeria cannot afford to sacrifice legality on the altar of personal or political interests.”