Nigerian Police Speaks on IGP Egbetokun’s Reported Rumour Tenure Extension

The Nigeria Police Force has dispelled rumors regarding the extension of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun's tenure. Contrary to widespread speculation, President Bola Tinubu did not extend Egbetokun's term.

Instead, he approved the existing law that stipulates a four-year tenure for the IGP. Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi clarified the situation in a statement released on Friday, September 7, 2024. He emphasized that the President's approval was in line with the provisions of Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, as amended.

The appointment letter, dated November 3, 2023, explicitly grants Egbetokun a four-year term from his appointment date.

"The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to various misleading reports and misinterpretations concerning the tenure of the Inspector General of Police," Adejobi stated. "What President Bola Tinubu approved for the IGP is not an extension of tenure, but rather the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office of the IGP."

Adejobi further stressed that there is no need for Egbetokun to lobby for an extension, as his tenure is already set. "The ongoing circulation of false information is the handiwork of pessimists and mischief makers who are determined to spread baseless narratives against the office and the personality of the IGP for obvious reasons and pecuniary gains," he added.