A human rights lawyer, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has criticized the National Assembly’s passage of the Police Act, which allows Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to remain in office until 2027. Dantani argues that this tenure extension may have severe consequences on national security, disrupt the police force’s leadership system, and erode public trust in governance.
Key Concerns:
- Constitutional Violation: The extension of Egbetokun’s tenure allegedly violates sections 7 and 18 (8) of the Police Act 2020, which stipulate the age of retirement.
- Nepotism and Disenchantment: Dantani claims that the President’s decision to extend Egbetokun’s stay in office is a clear example of nepotism, affecting morale and career progression in officers.
- Blocking Advancement of Other Officers: The tenure extension may prevent other senior officers from advancing to leadership roles, stagnating junior officers’ careers.
Dantani’s concerns are echoed by another lawyer, Maxwell Opara, who has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Police Council, and others over the alleged unlawful tenure elongation of IGP Egbetokun ¹.
