- By Halimah Olamide
The Nigeria Police headquarters on Monday said its Inspector General, Kayode Egbetokun, is not seeking for personal gains with the Police Reform Act presently before the National Assembly.,
The Force said that the bill has been before the 8th Assembly adding that Egbetokun has no intention to be a a beneficiary of the reform.
The amendment seeks to extend the years of service for Police officers from 35 to 40 years, and the age limit from 60 to 65 years.
Describing as misleading, the publications that allege that Egbetokun personally initiated the bill to prolong his tenure as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, the spokesman for the police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said “it is regrettable that certain media outlets and their sponsors have chosen to propagate baseless accusations, ignorantly disregarding the fact that any modification to existing legislation is designed to enhance its effectiveness and relevance.”
He went further, “To understand the true motivations behind this initiative, one need only look at the Inspector-General’s of Police steadfast commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force. His advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the conditions of service for police officers and thereby bolster security nationwide, rather than seeking personal gain.
It comes from the place of duty rather than benefit. Furthermore, it is important to note that the tenure of an Inspector General of Police is already prescribed as four years, with the President being the sole authority empowered to remove an IGP before the completion of his tenure.”
He said that the Nigeria Police Force urged the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims.
“Such misinformation not only misleads but also detracts from constructive dialogue and efforts towards meaningful police reform. All well-meaning members of the public and strategic stakeholders are hereby enjoined to disregard these falsehoods and instead lend their support to political and legislative endeavors aimed at improving police services and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerian citizens.”