The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has criticised the recently passed Police Act Amendment Bill, which permits the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to remain in office until the completion of the term outlined in their appointment letter.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Friday (yesterday, August 16), HURMA’s Executive Director, Mr. Buna Balogun, the bill, already passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly, conflicts with the longstanding civil service rule requiring retirement at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service.
The executive bill allows the current or any future Inspector-General of Police to stay in office until their term ends, as stated in their appointment letter.
Additionally, the bill proposes increasing the service years and retirement age for police personnel by five years, with the aim of reducing training and recruitment costs and addressing the shortage of experienced officers.
Balogun argued that extending the IGP’s tenure and increasing the retirement age would negatively impact career progression within the police force.
He expressed concern that the current IGP, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has not commenced his terminal leave despite being a month away from his mandatory retirement, noting that Egbetokun, who turns 60 in September, should have already handed over to the next officer in line, particularly since the bill has yet to be signed into law.
He further criticized the Police Act Amendment Bill, describing it as flawed and harmful to professionalism and morale within the police force, warning that if enacted into law, the bill is likely to face legal challenges.
“Given the situation, we urge the President to use his constitutional powers to protect the Nigeria Police Force from internal conspiracies and disloyalty that may arise from compromised career progression, especially during these fragile times for our nation. The best course of action for the President is to withhold his assent to the Amendment Bill of the Police Act, 2020, as it is self-serving and unpatriotic,” Balogun stated.
He also praised President Tinubu for ensuring transparency in the recent appointments of the new Head of Service and Chief Justice of the Federation, urging similar transparency in appointments within the police force and other key agencies.
“Mr. President has shown strength of character in the smooth and quiet succession of the Head of Service of the Federation and the Chief Justice of the Federation. There should be no exception for the police institution.
“Our organization has written to the President to express our concerns regarding the flawed Amendment Bill of the Police Act, 2020, which was passed by the National Assembly without a public hearing, as required by their rules. We have informed the President of our intention to seek justice through the courts to ensure a fair process in the appointment of the Inspector-General of Police,” Balogun concluded.
