As Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, approaches retirement, the race to succeed him has intensified.
Egbetokun, appointed on June 19, last year, is scheduled to retire on September 4, when he turns 60.
The Police Council on October 31 confirmedEgbetokun as the substantive IGP.
However, uncertainty clouds his retirement date due to a recent amendment to the Police Act. It was reported that he was billed to retire in 2024.
This Executive Bill, passed by the National Assembly in July 2024, allows the President to extend the IGP’s tenure beyond 35 years of service or 60 years of age, enabling the IGP to complete a four-year term.
Since the President has yet to sign the bill into law, tensions are mounting within the police high command.
HONORABLE FM earlier reported that Tinubu is currently on a “brief work stay” in France, with details of how long he would be away unmentioned.
Officers from the ranks of Commissioners of Police (CPs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) are now lobbying intensely for the top position. Sources within the police indicate that if the president does not sign the amendment, Egbetokun will be required to retire as scheduled.
On the other hand, if the amendment is signed into law, the president could extend Egbetokun’s tenure.