A human rights lawyer, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has strongly criticized the National Assembly’s recent amendment of the Police Act, which facilitated the tenure extension for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
This was contained in a petition issued on Friday,
Dantani warned that the extension, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for Egbetokun to remain in office until 2027, could have serious implications for national security.
Legal and Constitutional Violations
The lawyer argued that the amendment undermines constitutional principles, disrupts the established leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force, and erodes public trust in governance.
He cited Sections 7 and 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, which stipulate that no officer shall remain in service after reaching 60 years of age or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.
"By the operation of law, IGP Egbetokun, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 in September 2024, should have retired from the Nigeria Police Force and consequently from his position as IGP," Dantani stated.
He further noted that Egbetokun does not qualify for exemption under the law, as he is neither a judicial officer nor an academician.
Implications for National Security and Police Morale
Dantani warned that the extension could negatively impact national security, as it disrupts the traditional transition process within the police force.
"This decision has effectively blocked the career progression of other senior officers who are due for promotion. It creates stagnation, dampens morale, and fosters discontent within the force," he argued.
He also accused the President of nepotism, stating that the extension was a politically motivated move rather than a merit-based decision.
Hasty Passage of the Amendment
The lawyer condemned the rapid manner in which the National Assembly passed the amendment, alleging that it was done to favor a specific individual.
"On July 23, 2024, the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, hurriedly passed the bill to amend the Police Act in record time," Dantani revealed.
According to him, the House of Representatives approved the bill earlier that day, and the Senate followed suit, bowing to pressure from the Presidency.
The Executive Bill amended Section 18 of the Police Act 2020, introducing a new Section 18(8A), which allows an IGP to remain in office beyond the mandatory retirement limits.
Call for Reversal and Due Process
Dantani urged President Tinubu to reconsider the extension, stressing that institutional integrity must be prioritized over personal affiliations.
"A nation’s security institutions thrive when leadership appointments are based on competence, not political connections. Upholding due process is essential for national stability," he stated.
The development has sparked widespread debate over whether the amendment was justified in the interest of security or simply an attempt to retain a favored individual in office.
(Reality News TV Online)