They called for a transparent and legally sound resolution to the matter to ensure the integrity of the NPF and uphold public confidence in law enforcement.
Over 25 civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have called on President Bola Tinubu to address the controversy surrounding the planned extension of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun's tenure.
The CSOs argued that the dispute highlights deeper issues within Nigeria's law enforcement structure, including governance, legality, and the pressing need for reform.
In a joint statement released on Friday and obtained by SaharaReporters, the CSOs expressed concerns that the government's handling of the situation could significantly impact the stability of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and erode public trust in the institution.
The CSOs stressed the importance of navigating the issues carefully to prevent further discontent within the police force and among the general public.
They called for a transparent and legally sound resolution to the matter to ensure the integrity of the NPF and uphold public confidence in law enforcement.
The statement read, "The letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), purportedly extending the tenure of the IGP, may have raised questions about its legitimacy and intent."
The CSOs explained that the timing suggested a reactive measure following the ongoing discussions about police leadership and potential reforms.
"While the SGF plays a role in the administration of government appointments and may facilitate the process, the actual appointment of the IGP rests with the President of Nigeria."
According to them, "The President, based on consultation with and advice by the Police Council, formally appoints the IGP, usually with the approval of the National Assembly. The release of such a letter might be seen as "flying a kite," a strategy to test public reaction or gauge interest in a proposed action before fully committing to it. This enables the government to assess the temperature of public sentiment regarding the tenure extension."
"Without presidential approval, any move to extend the IGP’s tenure could be viewed as legally dubious. The planned extension has the potential to create tension and dissatisfaction within the NPF, particularly among officers who might feel their career advancement is being undermined. This could lead to internal discontent and indiscipline, negatively impacting police morale and effectiveness."
It said, "Given that IGP Egbetokun has reached the age of retirement according to extant public service rules and the Police Act 2020, we, CSOs and many other stakeholders believe he should be replaced to ensure adherence to established regulations and to promote capable leadership within the force."
The statement was jointly signed by the following organizations, RULAAC - Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), BudgIT Foundation, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
Others are; State of the Union (SOTU), Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM), Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC), Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability, Centre for Community Empowerment in conflict and Peace building -Kaduna, Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights,bOpen Society on Justice Reform Project, Environmental Rights Action,vSesor Empowerment Foundation, World Impact Development Foundation, Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation, Elixir Trust Foundation, PRAWA, Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).