The amendment raises concerns of political motivation, potential abuse of power, nepotism, and a diminishing commitment to transparency.
Several organisations, including the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, have raised concern about political motivation, potential abuse of power and illegality of the amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which extends Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun's tenure beyond the statutory retirement age.
The amendment raises concerns of political motivation, potential abuse of power, nepotism, and a diminishing commitment to transparency.
Analysts warned that this could pave the way for future legislative actions to bypass due process.
In a statement signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC Executive Director, on Friday, civil society advocacy groups urged President Tinubu to adhere to constitutional guidelines in appointing future inspectors general, advocating for the integrity of the police institution and promoting unity within the force.
The swift amendment to the Police Act amid public criticism highlights the ongoing tensions between governmental authority and due process in Nigeria.
Ensuring transparency and adherence to established laws is crucial for maintaining public trust and the integrity of democracy in the country.
On July 23, 2024, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigerian Senate had passed a controversial amendment bill to extend Egbetokun’s tenure beyond September
The Nigerian Senate passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 to amend the Police Act of 2020.
President Bola Tinubu had sent the Police Act Amendment Bill to the House of Representatives, proposing changes to the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
SaharaReporters had reported how the bill earlier failed to gain support from stakeholders at a hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
The bill, aimed at amending the Nigeria Police Act 2020, seeks to increase the retirement age of police officers from 60 to 65 years and their tenure of service from 35 to 40 years.
Inside sources had told SaharaReporters that Egbetokun was behind the bill and had allocated a significant amount of funds to lobby for its passage.
However, stakeholders had expressed concerns over the bill.
The proposed extension of the service year and retirement age for police officers met with widespread criticism from key stakeholders, including the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the National Salaries and Wages Commission during the public hearing.
SaharaReporters also learnt that senior police officers were angered by the move, which was described as selfish.
The Ministry of Police Affairs in its submission warned that implementing the extension would have unintended and far-reaching consequences, detrimental to the overall health and operations of the police force. Moreover, it would set a dangerous precedent for other agencies, such as the military and paramilitary organisations.
The ministry also argued that increasing the service years of police personnel would lead to stagnation, hindering progress and innovation within the force, while also negatively impacting motivation and adaptability.
Reacting in a statement issued after the report, Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the bill was first introduced in the 8th Assembly and was aimed at enhancing the conditions of service for police officers, not for personal gain.
Adejobi said the bill was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before the Assembly's dissolution.
“It is standard legislative practice to review and update laws to align with current national realities,” he said.