Uncertainty In Police Over Fate Of IGP, 3 DIGs, 10 AIGs

Posted by Tolulope Ogugua Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria Sunday, January 31st, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – There is uncertainty in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) ahead of the service exit date of the Inspector-General, Mr. Abubakar Adamu Mohammed.

The suspense is based on the fact that it is not clear whether Adamu’s tenure will be extended by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Some power brokers were said to be lobbying for the extension of the IGP’s tenure till November 9 when he will be 60 years old.

By service records, the IGP, who enlisted on February 1, 1986 will attain the mandatory 35 years service scheduled for retirement on Monday.

As at Saturday, the IGP was not sure of his fate and has been commissioning some projects in order not to be caught off guard.

The IGP’s dilemma is shared by three Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and 10 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police who are due for retirement with him on Monday.

The DIGs are Aminchi Samaila Baraya; Ibrahim A. Lamorde and Nkpa N. Inakwu.

The affected Assistant Inspectors-General of Police are Mohammad A. Mustapha; AIG Jonah Jackson; Olushola Babajide David; Yunana Y. Babas; Asuquo A.A. Amba; Nkereuwem Akpan; Olafimihan Adeniran Adeoye; Agunbiade O. Labore; Undie Adie; and Olugbenga Adeyanju.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are all in suspense because the President has the prerogative to extend the tenure of the IGP as he did for some of the retired Service Chiefs, the Comptroller-General of Immigration and the immediate past Comptroller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service.

“We are also not sure if the President will extend the tenure of the three affected DIGs and 10 AIGs. We are waiting for an announcement from the presidency.

“Even the IGP is not too confident of what will be the decision of the President. He is busy putting finishing touches to some signature projects while awaiting Buhari’s position.

“There were also rumours of an assurance already given to IGP that he will spend extra one year in office based on his performance.

“What is clear is that while some power brokers have been lobbying for the extension of IGP’s tenure by one year to complete the ongoing police reforms, some AIGs are also pushing hard to replace him.

“Those opposed to the extension of tenure alleged that one year cannot make any significant change in the Nigeria Police Force.”