Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has refuted claims that he is lobbying the National Assembly to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to extend his tenure and that of police personnel.
The proposed amendment, which seeks to increase the years of service for officers to 40 years and the age limit to 65 years, was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before the Assembly’s dissolution.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that it is standard legislative practice to review and update laws to align with current national realities. He condemned the spread of false information across media platforms, attributing the misrepresentation to baseless accusations against IGP Egbetokun for personal gain.
Egbetokun expressed regret 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 stated that 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.
The Nigeria Police Force urged the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims. They enjoined all well-meaning members of the public and strategic stakeholders 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