President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received an important advisory urging him to prioritize strict adherence to the law when appointing the next Inspector General of Police (IGP). The Nigerian Civil Society Contact Group (CSCG), an amalgamation of numerous Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organizations, dedicated to promoting good governance and human rights, emphasized this recommendation during a recent media briefing.
The time has come for Tinubu to announce a successor to the current IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, who should have retired in March upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, Baba’s tenure was extended by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Therefore, the CSCG implores President Tinubu to select the new IGP in accordance with the law.
Engineer Taiwo Akindolu, the Director-General of CSCG, expressed the organization’s strong belief in upholding the rule of law in the appointment of the new IGP. Akindolu highlighted that the Police Act 2020, signed into law by former President Buhari, clearly outlines the requirements for the appointment of an Inspector General of Police. He cautioned against any deviation from the provisions of the law, as it could lead to controversy, which the incoming government should avoid at all costs.
Akindolu further emphasized that Usman Baba’s appointment as IGP, when he was 58 years old and had only two years left in service, has been nullified by a High Court in Anambra State. This situation could have been avoided if President Buhari had acted in accordance with the law. The CSCG believes that the new government must not repeat such a disregard for legal requirements.
Drawing attention to Section 7(6) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, Akindolu stressed the importance of considering the provision when appointing Nigeria’s Police IG. This section states that the Inspector General of Police shall hold office for four years. Akindolu explained that the framers of this section intended for the President and the Police Council to carefully select candidates who have at least four years or more of service remaining in the Nigerian Police before retirement.
The CSCG firmly holds the position that retaining a police officer in service beyond the statutory age of retirement, which is 60 years or after 35 years of service, is unlawful and a direct violation of the Nigeria Police Act 2020. Consequently, President Tinubu is urged to appoint only candidates who have a minimum of four years left in service. Additionally, the appointment process should involve consultation with the Police Council, as mandated by both the Police Act and the Nigerian Constitution.
In addition to adhering to the Police Act, the CSCG hopes that President Tinubu will consider factors such as geopolitical balancing, managerial competence, merit, qualifications, capacity, and unblemished records when selecting the new Inspector General of Police. By prioritizing these criteria, President Tinubu can ensure that the next IGP effectively upholds the rule of law, maintains national security, and fosters a police force committed to serving the Nigerian people
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