•IGP Egbetokun and protesters
A cross-section of activists, yesterday staged a fresh protest at the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, demanding immediate ouster of the Kayode Egbetokun’s ouster as the Inspector-General of Police.
The activists, mostly lawyers, were led by the former President candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and arrived the popular Louis Edet House, where the Force’s headquarters is located at about 10:20am, reports Daily Trust.
Critical stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations, lawyers, opposition politicians, among others had berated the President, Bola Tinubu for extending Egbetokun’s tenure.
They had argued that Tinubu’s action was in contrary to the constitution of the country which stipulates that a public servant should not spend more than 35 years in service or go beyond 60 years of age – whichever comes first.
Checks showed that ideally, Egbetokun was supposed to exit the service last year after clocking 35 years in service but his tenure was extended after the Police Act was hurriedly amended by the National Assembly.
But activists, led by Sowore have vowed that they would continue to mount pressure on Tinubu till he does the needful by sacking Egbetokun to pave way for career growth of other officers who are still in the service.
Speaking to journalists, the protesters accused Egbetokun of illegally occupying the office following his mandatory retirement in September 2024, adding that they won’t allow such to continue.
Armed with different large banners showing an altered image of Egbetokun — now wearing President Tinubu’s signature cap, with his face crossed out in red — the protesters chanted solidarity songs as they rallied.
They condemned Egbetokun’s continued stay in office as a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that public servants retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60, whichever comes first.
Sowore, while speaking further pointed out that while the IGP had overseen the retirement of Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in recent months, he had refused to step down himself.
“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, while referring to the retired officer that was arrested for still being on the road collecting money from motorist after exiting the force.
The protesters cited a September 2024 statement from the Attorney General, which confirmed that Egbetokun’s tenure had legally ended and raised questions about why President Bola Tinubu has allowed him to remain in office.
“Even Tinubu has no authority to override the Constitution. If he loves Egbetokun so much, he can appoint him as manager of the NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers) after retirement. But no retired officer should wear the police uniform,” he said.
He further noted that the extension of Egbetokun’s tenure had demoralized rank-and-file officers and stifled career progression for younger personnel.
“How can ASPs dream of becoming IGP if the position is held hostage?” Sowore added.
