The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has voiced its concerns over the proposed tenure extension for Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, warning that it could undermine the integrity of the police force and create unnecessary division within its ranks.
In a statement issued by Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, the rights group expressed alarm over the amendment to the Police Act that cleared the way for IGP Egbetokun’s continued stay in office beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60. According to the controversial change in Section 18(8) of the Police Act, an IGP can remain in service until the end of their term, as per their letter of appointment.
A Cause for Concern: MURIC’s Stand
Akintola’s statement paints a grim picture of the implications this amendment could have for the police force and the broader Nigerian security landscape. While the Muslim rights advocate acknowledged the strides the police have made in tackling crime and enhancing public safety, he stressed that extending the IGP’s tenure could jeopardize the police force’s hard-won reputation.
“The police force has made substantial progress in recent years, notably in rescuing kidnapped victims and solving high-profile criminal cases. However, extending the tenure of the current IGP may reverse these gains and cause unnecessary turmoil within the ranks,” said Akintola.
Furthermore, the MURIC chief argued that such a move could breed unnecessary divisions, as some officers may feel the promotion ladder is blocked by the prolonged tenure of a single leader. This, he fears, could erode morale and affect the public’s perception of the police force.
“The real danger lies in the possibility of deepening internal rifts within the force. If senior officers are forced to wait out an extension, it could lead to frustration and even resentment, which in turn will hurt the police’s performance,” Akintola warned.
The Bigger Picture: Muslim Rights and National Security
While MURIC’s primary focus is to protect the rights of Nigerian Muslims, Akintola acknowledged that the issue at hand has implications for all Nigerians, not just Muslims. The proposed tenure extension has sparked debates among various sectors of Nigerian society, with some viewing it as essential to maintaining stability and continuity within the police force. However, others have condemned it as a violation of the Police Act, which mandates that the IGP retire at the age of 60.
“While this matter does not directly concern the Muslim community, it undeniably affects the security and welfare of all Nigerians, Muslims included,” Akintola remarked.
The extension of the IGP’s tenure has divided public opinion, with proponents arguing that it ensures continuity in leadership, especially at a time when Nigeria faces numerous security challenges. Opponents, however, contend that such an extension undermines the spirit of the Police Act, which was designed to ensure the regular rotation of leadership and avoid entrenched power structures.
Calls for IGP Egbetokun’s Dignified Exit
In his statement, Akintola urged IGP Kayode Egbetokun to consider stepping down voluntarily rather than allowing the controversy surrounding his tenure to escalate further. He pointed out that many leaders in history have gone down in glory by making a dignified exit at the peak of their careers.
“Real heroes leave the stage while the ovation is loudest,” Akintola said. “Egbetokun’s tenure extension has cast a shadow over his impressive achievements. It is better for him to leave now, with his legacy intact, than to let the controversy erode the goodwill he has built.”
Akintola’s call for Egbetokun to bow out gracefully is rooted in the belief that leaders who overstay their time risk tarnishing their legacies and undermining the progress they have made. The IGP, who was appointed in 2023, has overseen several significant achievements, including the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped victims and the dismantling of criminal syndicates. However, his continued tenure in office may be perceived as a step back for the police force, particularly at a time when leadership renewal and reform are crucial.
Police Act Amendment: A Contentious Issue
The amendment to the Police Act that allowed for IGP Egbetokun’s tenure extension has been met with both praise and criticism. Proponents of the amendment argue that it provides stability within the police force, especially at a time when the country is grappling with security challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and urban crime. By allowing Egbetokun to remain in office, some believe the police force can continue the work of reform and revitalization that has been underway since his appointment.
However, critics of the amendment view it as a direct violation of the original provisions of the Police Act, which was designed to limit the tenure of the IGP to a fixed term and prevent the concentration of too much power in one individual. Critics argue that this move could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the integrity of the police and potentially emboldening future leaders to overstay their welcome.
A Precarious Future for the Police Force?
With public sentiment divided, the future of the police force remains uncertain. Will the tenure extension for IGP Egbetokun lead to greater stability, or will it further divide the force and erode public trust? As tensions mount over this contentious issue, only time will tell.
For now, MURIC has made its position clear: it believes that extending the tenure of IGP Egbetokun is a step in the wrong direction. As Akintola succinctly put it, “It is better to leave while the applause is still ringing than to risk leaving in shame.”
