IGP must be shielded from politics before state police can work – Justice Ahiakwo

A security expert, Mr. Busayo Mogaji has applauded the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu for his tactical leadership and commitment to confronting criminal elements across the country.

He stated that the IGP demonstrated decisive leadership through a series of strategic actions aimed at strengthening security architecture and restoring public confidence.

“Among the notable steps taken were leading security clearance operations targeting bandit hideouts and criminal enclaves, conducting operational inspections and strategy reviews at the Kwara State Police Command, declaring a firm commitment to reclaim communities from bandits and kidnappers threatening residents amongst others,” he said.

Mogaji who is also the CEO Of the Western Eagle Security Ltd in a statement described the IGP as a tested and trusted tactical officer whose professional record and field experience positioned him as a capable leader in the ongoing fight against crime and insecurity in Nigeria.

According to him, the impressive operational strides recorded under the current police leadership have further reinforced the need for stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

He addressed the ongoing public discourse regarding the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, explaining that the July 2024 amendment to the Police Act 2020 by the National Assembly clearly provides that an Inspector-General of Police is entitled to serve the full tenure stated in the appointment letter, even if the statutory retirement age of 60 is attained within that period.

Mogaji noted that historically, several past Inspectors-General of Police were unable to complete a full four-year tenure, largely due to retirement age limitations and the absence of clear statutory provisions guaranteeing the term of office. He further noted that the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was also legally appointed to serve a four-year tenure under the same statutory framework but chose to retire earlier than expected due to family reasons, a decision which did not in any way affect the legality of the tenure provision itself.

He further highlighted that the formal swearing-in of the current Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a historic turning point in the administration of policing in Nigeria, noting that no previous Inspector-General of Police had been formally sworn into office prior to assumption of duty.

According to him, the oath of office administered by the President is the first ever and not only symbolises institutional reform but also reinforces the legal and constitutional validity of the four-year tenure now attached to the office of the Inspector-General of Police.

The security expert also referenced past legal controversies surrounding the tenure of former Inspectors-General, including litigation initiated by legal practitioner Maxwell Opara, which challenged the continued stay in office of former IGP Mohammed Adamu after retirement from service.

Mogaji stated that the recent legislative clarification, combined with the formal swearing-in of the present IGP, has effectively resolved those ambiguities, ensuring that the tenure of IGP Tunji Disu is firmly anchored in law and due process.

He therefore urged the public to focus on the ongoing reforms and operational gains within the Nigeria Police Force, emphasising that sustained leadership stability will further enhance the capacity of the Force to tackle crime and strengthen national security.

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