Renowned Scholar and Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Dr. Sam Amadi, has stated that the National Assembly should be blamed for the continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Dr. Amadi stated this following the growing resentment over the elongation of tenure of office of the IGP.
In a post on his X handle, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said: “Is the IG of Police illegal? Not exactly. He was appointed to a 4-year tenure. He would have retired before his 4 year. But NASS amended the law to enable IGP complete his tenure. It’s self-serving law. But still valid. Hold NASS responsible. The IGP is not illegal.”
Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) also declared recently that the continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful.
He explained that the appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September, 2024.
However, before his 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 has attained the age of 60 years.
This, he said, has statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.
The AGF said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023. This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public”, he said.
