In what can only be described as a gross injustice to the Nigerian Police Force and its hardworking personnel, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has inexplicably been retained in office beyond his mandatory retirement date.
This unprecedented move has sparked a wave of outrage and discontent, not only among officers within the force but also among concerned citizens and political commentators nationwide.
The sheer disregard for institutional norms and leadership protocols has left many wondering about the integrity and future of one of Nigeria’s key security institutions, especially in a time of heightened insecurity.
A Breach of Protocol or a Calculated Move?
The decision to keep the Inspector General in office is not only an affront to the principles of fairness but a blatant violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mandates that public officials disengage from service upon reaching the age of 60 or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first.
The current Inspector General of Police reached the age of 60 on the 4th of September, 2024, and as per constitutional requirements, he was expected to proceed on retirement. Yet, in a shocking and illegal move, he remains in office, creating a constitutional crisis that has shaken the very foundation of law and order within the police force.
“It is inconceivable that a law enforcement official, who is meant to uphold the Constitution, would be the very person to violate it. This is a clear disregard for the rule of law, and it sets a dangerous precedent,” said a legal expert commenting on the issue. The deliberate retention of the IGP, despite clear constitutional provisions, has not only demoralized the police force but also cast doubt on the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
Discontent and Bad Blood
At a time when Nigeria is grappling with serious security challenges, this decision is seen as particularly egregious. In the past few years, the country has faced rising cases of banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings. The Nigerian Police Force is expected to be at the forefront of tackling these issues, but with the IGP’s overstayed tenure and the resulting bad blood brewing within the ranks, many are concerned that the force is now more distracted by internal leadership disputes than focused on the national security crisis.”
It’s a slap in the face for every officer who follows the rules. This retention has created a serious divide within the force. Those who expected promotions are left feeling betrayed, and this is happening at a time when we need to be united more than ever to tackle the rising insecurity,” remarked another officer.
The palpable tension within the force is clear. Many officers are questioning the leadership’s commitment to their welfare, and the erosion of trust between the rank-and-file and the top brass has led to speculation about the future stability of the force. The decision to retain the IGP is seen as a political maneuver, a move to keep a loyal figurehead in power rather than prioritizing the effectiveness of the institution.
Inept Leadership Leading to Stagnation
What makes this situation all the more infuriating is the widespread acknowledgment of the IGP’s ineptitude during his tenure. Under his leadership, many have argued that the Nigerian Police Force has been in a state of stagnation, failing to innovate or adapt to the ever-evolving security threats plaguing the nation. From administrative lapses to operational inefficiencies, the force has struggled to maintain credibility and effectiveness under his command.
“The IGP’s tenure has been marked by inefficiency, a lack of innovation, and a failure to address critical issues facing the police force. Crime is rising, insecurity is rampant, and yet the force remains stuck in a state of paralysis. This isn’t leadership – it’s gross mismanagement, and retaining him only exacerbates the situation,” said a prominent security analyst.
The frustration is compounded by the fact that this retention comes at a time when Nigeria is in desperate need of strong, visionary leadership to guide the police force through one of its most challenging periods in recent history. Instead, officers and citizens alike are faced with an IGP whose leadership has been widely criticized for its lack of direction, and now, its flagrant disregard for standard retirement procedures.
A Blow to Morale and Trust
Perhaps the most damaging consequence of this decision is the demoralization of the force’s personnel. When leadership flouts the very rules, it is supposed to uphold, it sends a clear message to every officer: hard work, loyalty, and dedication don’t matter. This is particularly dangerous for an institution like the police, where trust, discipline, and order are the bedrock of its operations.”The message this sends is clear – if you’re at the top, you can do whatever you want. Promotions, retirements, rules – none of it matters if you have connections in the right places,” another officer lamented.
“Why should we continue to give our best when it’s clear that those in charge are only out for themselves?”This sense of injustice is not only causing unrest within the police force but is also fueling public skepticism about the government’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s growing insecurity. Many citizens, already disillusioned by the state of security in the country, are beginning to lose faith in the ability of the police force to protect them effectively.
Urgent Call for Leadership Reform
As the controversy rages on, there is a growing call from both within and outside the police force for immediate reform. Many believe that the only way to restore morale and trust in the institution is for the government to respect the retirement protocols and appoint a new IGP – one who can inspire confidence, restore discipline, and guide the force through this critical period of insecurity.
“The Nigerian Police Force needs fresh, dynamic leadership – someone who can bring innovation and restore the trust of both officers and citizens. The longer this crisis continues, the more harm it does to our national security efforts,” said a political analyst.
As Nigerians continue to grapple with the fallout of this decision, one thing is clear: the longer the IGP remains in office, the more damage is done to the morale, trust, and effectiveness of the Nigerian Police Force. With insecurity on the rise and public trust in the police force waning, the country cannot afford to remain stuck in a leadership crisis at such a critical time.
Shehu M. Sanusi wrote in this piece from Abuja