Come clean on IGP Egbetokun’s tenure extension controversy, 61 CSOs tell Tinubu

By KEMI KASUMU

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria are keenly watching, with concern, developments trailing the unresolved controversy surrounding the planned extension of the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun by President Tinubu.

This was made known in a statement signed by 61 CSOs including Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) and 55 others copy of which sent to The DEFENDER on Sunday.

“This controversy is indicative of broader issues within Nigeria’s law enforcement structure, touching on governance, legality, and the need for reform. CSOs and other stakeholders believe that the government’s approach will significantly impact the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stability and public trust in the institution.

“It’s essential for the government to navigate these waters carefully to avoid further stoking discontent within the police force and the general public .

“The situation surrounding a new letter of appointment purportedly for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) currently in circulation and the implications of tenure extension within the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is complex and has stirred significant debate,” the statement said.

It said, “The letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), purportedly extending the tenure of the IGP, may have raised questions about its legitimacy and intent. The timing suggests a reactive measure following the ongoing discussions about police leadership and potential reforms.

“While the SGF plays a role in the administration of government appointments and may facilitate the process, the actual appointment of the IGP rests with the President of Nigeria. The President, based on consultation with and advice by the Police Council, formally appoints the IGP, usually with the approval of the National Assembly.

“The release of such a letter might be seen as “flying a kite,” a strategy to test public reaction or gauge interest in a proposed action before fully committing to it. This enables the government to assess the temperature of public sentiment regarding the tenure extension.”

According to the CSOs, “President Tinubu has not assented to the bill extending the tenure of the IGP, questions arise about where the authority for such an extension derives. Without presidential approval, any move to extend the IGP’s tenure could be viewed as legally dubious.

“The planned extension has the potential to create tension and dissatisfaction within the NPF, particularly among officers who might feel their career advancement is being undermined. This could lead to internal discontent and indiscipline, negatively impacting police morale and effectiveness.

“Given that IGP Egbetokun has reached the age of retirement according to extant public service rules and the Police Act 2020, we, CSOs and many other stakeholders believe he should be replaced to ensure adherence to established regulations and to promote capable leadership within the force,” it said.

See list of the CSOs below:

1. RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre

2. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)

3. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)

4. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)

5. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)

6. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)

7. BudgIT Foundation

8. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)

9. State of the Union (SOTU)

10. Tax Justice and Governance Platform

11.Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)

12.Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)

13.Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)

14.Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE)

15.Centre Democracy and Development (CDD)

16. Accountability Lab, Nigeria

17. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID}

18.Say NO Campaign – Nigeria

19.Femi Falana Chamber

20.Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)

21.Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)

22. Good Governance Team

23.21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative

24. OCCEN

25. Mothers and Marginalised Advocacy Centre ( MAMA Centre)

26.Social Action

27.Centre for Transparency Watch

28.West Africa Civil Society Forum WASCSOF

29.Global Rights

30 African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)

31.Partners West Africa

32.Order Paper

33.Say No Campaign

34 Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria. ERA

35.Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity

36.Amnesty International Nigeria

37. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)

38. Connected Development (CODE)

39. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)

40. Praxis

41.CLEEN Foundation

42.Spaces for Change

43.Abuja School of Social and Political Thought

44.Yiaga Africa

45.Policy Alert

46.Socio Economic Research and Development Centre

47.Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative

48.Media Rights Agenda

49.Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive industries (MITEI)

50.Centre for Social Centre for Justice Reform

51.Centre for Community Empowerment in conflict and Peace building -Kaduna

52.Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights

53.Open Society on Justice Reform Project

54.Environmental Rights Action

55. Sesor Empowerment Foundation

56.World Impact Development Foundation

57.Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation

58.Elixir Trust Foundation

59.PRAWA

60. Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)

61.Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)