Former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and dozens of youths stormed the Nigeria Police Force’s Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, protesting against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s extended period as the enforcement agency’s leader.
The agitated protesters, led by Sowore, marched on the streets to express their displeasure over Egbetokun’s leadership while accusing him of illegally occupying the office.
The protesters are chanting solidarity songs, banners with an altered image of Egbetokun wearing President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap, with his face crossed out in red, demanding that the IGP step down from his position.
They condemned the IGP’s continued stay in office as a clear violation, citing the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that public servants retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60.
The protesters cited a September 2024 statement from the Attorney General, which confirmed that Egbetokun’s tenure had legally ended and raised questions about why President Bola Tinubu has allowed him to remain in office.
Addressing newsmen, the human rights activist pointed out that while the IGP had overseen the retirement of Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in recent months, he had refused to step down himself.
“One retired officer is in jail for impersonating a police officer, while Egbetokun continues in office after retirement. This is unjust and unacceptable,” Sowore said.
“Even Tinubu has no authority to override the Constitution. If he loves Egbetokun so much, he can appoint him as the manager of the NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers) after retirement. But no retired officer should wear the police uniform,” he said.
He further alleged that the extension of Egbetokun’s tenure had demoralized rank-and-file officers and stifled career progression for younger personnel.
The activist demanded that the IGP vacate the office immediately and refund all salaries collected since September 4, 2024, his official retirement date.
Aside from that, the protesters also rejected tenure extensions for other public officials, including the Comptroller-General of Immigration.
“No one should overstay, not even for a day,” Sowore insisted. “After removal, he must return every kobo earned illegally,” he added.
