Buhari may not extend IG’s tenure despite pressure

by Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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.