Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sunday Ehindero, has defended the tenure extension of the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, stating that it is legal as long as it is based on competence.
In a statement titled “The Tenure of IGP Egbetokun: The Controversy over the Extension of Tenure,” Ehindero emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional authority to decide who serves as the nation’s police chief.
“If President Tinubu chooses to work with him for four years, and that is backed by law, so be it. He is his choice. You cannot, by any yardstick, say Egbetokun is incompetent or unqualified for the job,” he said.
Addressing the recurring controversies surrounding tenure extensions, Ehindero recalled that his own tenure was extended twice—first in 2006 for one year and then for three months in 2007—despite legal challenges.
“The court ruled that it was a non-issue and dismissed the case,” he noted, adding that legislative changes over the years have provided clear guidelines on the matter.
He highlighted the Police Act of 2020 and the Police Amended Act of 2024, which guarantee a four-year tenure for an IGP, regardless of age or length of service.
Backing the policy, he quoted former IGP Mike Okiro, who argued that ensuring a stable tenure prevents abrupt leadership changes and policy disruptions.
Ehindero also addressed concerns from officers affected by tenure extensions, particularly regarding enlistment and appointment dates.
“If you enlisted as a constable and later qualified as a Superior Police Officer, your date of enlistment takes precedence over your appointment date,” he clarified.
He maintained that officers must retire upon reaching 60 years of age or 35 years of service, depending on which comes first.
According to Ehindero, the selection of an IGP is inherently political, making controversies inevitable.
“The President has the power to appoint an IGP with the approval of the Police Council. It is his right to determine who he can work with,” he stated.
He added that no external pressure could force a president to retain an IGP who does not align with his leadership style.
Ehindero’s remarks reinforce the argument that Egbetokun’s extended tenure is legally and professionally justified. While tenure extensions have historically sparked debates, he asserted that the focus should be on competence and continuity in policing policies.
