IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure Extension: Legality, Politics, and the Undercurrents of Corruption
The extension of the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has sparked controversy, but former IGP Sunday Ehindero has defended the decision, asserting that it is legal as long as it is based on competence. However, the broader implications of such extensions suggest a pattern of political maneuvering that raises concerns about institutional integrity and corruption within the Nigerian Police Force.
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In a statement titled ‘The Tenure of IGP Egbetokun: The Controversy over the Extension of Tenure,’ Ehindero argued that President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional authority to decide who he works with as IGP. He recalled his past interactions with Egbetokun, noting that he was once the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Tinubu when the latter was governor of Lagos State.
“If President Tinubu chooses to work with him for the duration of four years, and that is backed by law, so be it. He is his choice. You cannot by any yardstick say Egbetokun is incompetent or unqualified for the job,” Ehindero stated.
However, this reasoning ignores the larger problem of political favoritism and its implications for law enforcement. The extension of tenure for top police officials often leads to a culture of patronage, where the highest ranks of the force become indebted to political interests rather than serving the public good. This situation erodes professionalism, accountability, and the impartiality of the police in handling security matters.
The Legal and Political Manipulation of Tenure Extensions
Ehindero himself admitted that tenure extensions have always been controversial. He referenced his own experience when his tenure was extended twice in 2005 and 2007, triggering legal battles. At the time, there were no clear legislative guidelines regarding the extension of an IGP’s tenure beyond the Civil Service Rules and the Police Act.
Since then, several legislative changes have permitted tenure elongation, including the Police Act of 2020 and the Police Amended Act of 2024. The latter law allows the IGP to serve a full four-year term regardless of whether he has reached the retirement threshold of 60 years of age or 35 years of service.
While such legal backing may seem to provide clarity, it also opens the door to systematic manipulation. The ability to retain an IGP beyond the usual retirement period ensures that the position is subject to political bargaining, reinforcing the notion that loyalty to political figures takes precedence over merit.
Institutional Corruption and Internal Crisis
The ongoing debate over tenure extension also highlights a deeper crisis within the Nigerian Police Force: corruption and administrative dysfunction. One of the most contentious issues is the discrepancy between an officer’s enlistment date and their appointment date as a superior officer. This confusion has reportedly been exploited to retain or force out certain officers based on political considerations.
“If you enlisted as a constable and later acquired academic qualifications that enabled you to become a superior officer, your date of enlistment still supersedes your date of appointment,” Ehindero stated. However, such administrative inconsistencies create loopholes that can be exploited by corrupt officials to manipulate retirement dates and career progressions.
Additionally, the practice of extending the tenure of select officers while forcing others into early retirement further fuels internal resentment and instability. Many officers who were due for promotion or appointment to the IGP position are often sidelined, leading to accusations of favoritism and bias.
A Politicized Police Force?
Ehindero candidly admitted that the appointment of an IGP is political, stating that “in politics, there is no right answer. The question is not whether your action is wrong or right, but whether your action is valid.” This admission underscores the reality that the police leadership is deeply entangled in political interests rather than being independent.
“The President is given the power to choose an Inspector General of Police from serving members of the force with the concurrence of the Police Council. No amount of pressure would make him work with an IGP who is not his preference,” Ehindero added.
While this may be legally permissible, it exposes the Nigerian Police Force to political interference. The selection of an IGP should be based on merit, integrity, and institutional needs, rather than political loyalty. The police are supposed to serve the Nigerian people, not act as an extension of the ruling party’s power structure.
Reform or More of the Same?
The extension of IGP Egbetokun’s tenure may not be illegal, but it raises critical questions about governance, accountability, and the politicization of the police force. If tenure extensions continue to be granted based on personal relationships rather than a transparent and merit-based system, the Nigerian police will remain an institution riddled with corruption and inefficiency.
The government must prioritize genuine police reforms that eliminate political interference, ensure tenure security for competent officers without favoritism, and create a clear, fair promotion structure. Without these reforms, the controversies surrounding tenure extensions will persist, undermining the credibility of the nation’s law enforcement institutions.
Reference
IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure Extension: Legality, Politics, and the Undercurrents of Corruption