Human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday led protesters to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, calling for the immediate removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as an “illegal tenure extension.”
Protesters joined Sowore, with banners that featured image of Egbetokun donning President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap, with a red cross marked across his face.
Sowore, while addressing the crowd and media, cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution which mandate that public servants retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age, whichever comes first.
According to him, Egbetokun’s tenure should have ended on September 4, 2024.
“One retired officer is in jail for impersonating a police officer, while Egbetokun continues in office after retirement. This is unjust and unacceptable,” Sowore said.
The activist further pointed out the contradiction in Egbetokun’s continued stay, noting that while the IGP has overseen the retirement of senior police officials—including DIGs, AIGs, and CPs, he has remained in office himself.
Sowore also slammed President Bola Tinubu’s support for Egbetokun’s tenure extension, despite a September 2024 statement by the Attorney General of the Federation that affirmed the IGP’s retirement was due.
Sowore also said, “Even Tinubu has no authority to override the Constitution. If he loves Egbetokun so much, he can appoint him as manager of the NURTW after retirement. But no retired officer should wear the police uniform.”
The activist linked Egbetokun’s extended stay to Nigeria’s deepening security challenges, and cited the recent killing of over 60 people in Plateau State within 48 hours.
He criticised the police for responding only after the attacks, and questioned the absence of proactive intelligence efforts.
“What happened to intelligence gathering? Is the police only effective when tracking critics on social media?” he asked.
Sowore also argued that the tenure extension has demoralised rank-and-file officers and blocked upward mobility in the force.
“How can ASPs dream of becoming IGP if the position is held hostage?” he said.
He demanded not just Egbetokun’s immediate removal, but a refund of all salaries and allowances received since his retirement date.
“No one should overstay, not even for a day. After removal, he must return every kobo earned illegally,” Sowore argued.
The protesters further condemned tenure extensions for other public officers, including the Comptroller-General of Immigration, warning of a growing pattern of disregard for constitutional service limits.
The controversy follows the July 2024 amendment to the Police Act by the National Assembly, which introduced a new clause, Section 18(8A)—allowing the IGP to serve the full four-year term as stipulated in their appointment letter, regardless of age or years of service.
Under the amendment, Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023, is legally permitted to remain in office until 2027.
However, lawmakers defended the change as a move toward ensuring leadership stability in the police force.
But Sowore argued that the amendment is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent.
“It fosters stagnation, undermines morale, and threatens the integrity of our security institutions,” he warned.
Sowore Leads Protest Against Egbetokun’s Tenure Extension, Demands Removal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
