Despite pressure from lobbyists, there were strong indications last
night that President Muhammadu Buhari may not extend the tenure of
Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris.
It was learnt that the IGP might be directed to hand over to the most senior Deputy Inspector-General of Police next week.
It
was, however, unclear if an Acting IGP will oversee the security
arrangement for the conduct of the general elections in February and
March.
Idris, who was born on January 15, 1959, will next week hit the statutory retirement age of 60.
Although,
it is within the prerogative of the President to extend the tenure,
there had been controversy on whether or not Idris should remain in
office.
As at press time, President Buhari has kept the outgoing IGP in suspense on his fate.
It was gathered that when the President met with the IGP last week, he only took brief from him and thanked him for his service.
But he was non-committal on the extension or otherwise of his tenure.
A
source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The President is not likely to
extend the tenure of the IGP but he is waiting for the statutory
retirement day before making a pronouncement. You know, Buhari is a due
process leader.
“The outgoing IGP is most likely to hand over to
the most senior Deputy Inspector-General of Police pending the
appointment of a substantive holder.
“ If Idris leaves, there will be an Acting IGP and this will not affect security arrangement for the general elections.
“So far, the IGP is expected to be preparing his handover note.”
On
what transpired between the President and IGP last week, another source
said: “Just a routine pre-retirement interaction, including a brief
from the IGP and a thank you by Mr. President.
“There was no words from the President on whether or not he may extend his tenure.”
The second source, however, confirmed that there had been pressure for and against tenure extension for Idris.
The source said: “There is intense lobbying by some groups to allow Idris to remain in office till after the general elections.
“These groups argued that it is untidy to ask Idris to leave about a month to the poll when he has put all logistics in place.
“Those
for Idris also cited the case of service chiefs, some of who are due
for retirement but they have had their service years extended.
“Of course, there are some sponsored associations trying to raise dust against tenure elongation for Idris.
“The
President has taken notice of all sides. He is however keeping the IGP
in suspense on his decision which will be in the best interest of the
country.”
Section 27 of the Third Schedule (Part 1)to the 1999
Constitution says: “The Nigeria Police Council shall comprise the
following members: (a) the President who shall be the chairman; (b) the
Governor of each state of the Federation; (c) the Chairman of the Police
Service Commission; and (d) the Inspector-General.
“The
functions of the Nigeria Police Council shall include—(a) the
organisation and administration of the Nigeria Police Force and all
other matters relating thereto (not being matters relating to the use
and operational control of the Force or the appointment, disciplinary
control and dismissal of members of the Force.
(b) the general supervision of the Nigeria Police Force; and
( c) advising the President on the appointment of the Inspector-General of Police.
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