…His Stay In Office Illegal – Ojo
…He’s Backed By Law – Iheonu
…Police Reform Being Undermined – Afang
Lawyers and activists have disagreed over calls on Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to voluntarily resign.
The calls for Egbetokun’s resignation came to the fore following a recent move championed by Omoyele Sowore, the National Leader of the African Action Congress (AAC), leading to his (Sowore’s) arrest, detention and subsequent trial for Cyber Crimes related offences.
Those calling for IGP Egbetokun’s resignation refer to the report that on attaining mandatory retirement age, his exit from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) was stopped by an amendment of the law, which was okayed by President Bola Tinubu, an action Sowore disagreed with.
Barrister Olalekan F Ojo, one of those who spoke to Sunday Independent on Saturday, maintained that the continued stay of the IGP beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years of service violates service rules and undermines institutional integrity and public trust.
Barrister Ojo, the Managing Partner, Platinum & Taylor Hill LP, stated: “It (Egbetokun’s continued stay in office) creates leadership stagnation, weakens morale, and raises concerns of political interference.
“Ethically, the IGP should voluntarily retire to uphold professionalism and allow fresh leadership. To prevent future controversies, strict adherence to the Police Act, leadership succession planning, and depoliticisation of the IGP’s tenure are essential.
“The rule of law must prevail, and the IGP should step down to maintain the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force.”
However, Barrister Emeka Iheonu, another Lagos lawyer and public affairs analyst, stated: “Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020 stipulates that every Police Officer shall serve for a period of 35 years or until attaining the age of 60 years, whichever comes first.
“Section 7(6) specifies that the person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.
“It was, therefore, expected that IGP Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, and reached 60 on September 4, 2024, should have retired.
“Section 7(6), however, provides for four-year tenure for the IGP, creating a legal ambiguity between the general retirement provisions and the specific tenure of the IGP.
“To address this inconsistency, the National Assembly passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024.
“It introduces a new Subsection 18(8A), which provides that notwithstanding the provisions of Section 18(8), any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6).
“This amendment clarifies that the IGP is entitled to a four-year tenure, regardless of the general retirement age or years of service limitations.
“Based on this, it is expected that IGP Egbetokun is legally permitted to continue serving until 2027, completing his four-year term as outlined in his appointment letter.”
Contributing, Barrister Blessing Joseph Afang, a human rights lawyer, said the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has elapsed.
Barrister Afang, President, the International Human Rights Protection Service Florida, USA, Nigeria Chapter (IHRPS/F), argued: “While the Police Act amendment allows him to serve until 2027, my take is that his continued stay in service beyond the traditional retirement age of 60 undermines police reforms and may lead to stagnation within the force.
“I suggest that regular leadership changes are essential for maintaining effective security architecture.
“Given these concerns, it may be prudent for IGP Egbetokun to consider voluntary retirement to address public apprehensions and promote institutional renewal.”
In his contribution, an activist, Tola Oresanwo, stated that anyone expecting the Inspector General of Police to voluntarily resign is like expecting a very sunny day during the rainy season.
Oresanwo, the Director of Programmes and Administration, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), stated: “Since he (Egbetokun) has the backing of the Chief Law Officer in the person of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who has affirmed the legality of Egbetokun’s continued tenure, citing the amended Police Act as the legal basis for his extended service, it will be very difficult, if not practically impossible for him to resign voluntarily. (Daily Independent)
