In a move to address the lingering speculation surrounding his tenure, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has categorically denied allegations that he is lobbying the National Assembly to extend his tenure and service year for police personnel.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, clarified that the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020 is aimed at enhancing the conditions of service for police officers and improving national security. The bill seeks to extend the years of service from 35 to 40 years and the age limit from 60 to 65 years.
Egbetokun emphasized his commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force, stating that his advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the welfare of police officers and bolster security nationwide. He reiterated that his motivation is driven by a sense of duty rather than personal gain.
The Presidency, in a separate statement, reiterated that the IGP’s tenure is already prescribed as four years, with the President holding the sole authority to remove him before completion. This move is seen as a reaffirmation of the President’s confidence in Egbetokun’s leadership and his commitment to police reform.
The Police Force urged the public to exercise caution when consuming information from sensationalist sources, emphasizing the importance of relying on credible outlets for news and updates. They stressed that misinformation can be detrimental to constructive dialogue and efforts towards meaningful police reform.
This development comes as a welcome relief to many who had expressed concerns over the alleged tenure elongation. The move is seen as a testament to Egbetokun’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the Nigeria Police Force.
The proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020 has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks, with many stakeholders lauding the move as a step in the right direction.
The extension of service years and age limit is expected to improve the morale of police officers, allow for the retention of experienced personnel, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the force.
As the Nigeria Police Force continues to work towards reform and improvement, this development serves as a reassuring reminder of the commitment of the IGP and the Presidency to prioritizing the welfare of police officers and the security of the nation.
