A coalition of over 25 civil society organizations in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the controversy surrounding the planned extension of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun’s tenure.
The CSOs argued that the dispute highlights deeper issues within Nigeria’s law enforcement structure, including governance, legality, and the pressing need for reform.
In a joint statement, the CSOs expressed concerns that the government’s handling of the situation could significantly impact the stability of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and erode public trust in the institution.
They called for a transparent and legally sound resolution to the matter to ensure the integrity of the NPF and uphold public confidence in law enforcement.
The CSOs stressed that the planned extension could create tension and dissatisfaction within the NPF, particularly among officers who might feel their career advancement is being undermined.
They emphasized that IGP Egbetokun has reached the age of retirement according to extant public service rules and the Police Act 2020, and should be replaced to ensure adherence to established regulations and promote capable leadership within the force.
