Police IG, Usman Baba, Gets Tenure Extension Ahead of General Election

The tenure of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has been extended amidst speculations of his likely retirement before the general election starting February 25. The extension was contained in a letter to relevant authorities following tenure elongation by the President.

 Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, speaking to newsmen after the Federal Executive Meeting (FEC) yesterday explained that the Police Act 2020 had changed the rules for the IG’s retirement.

He said, ““I don’t know where you got your record, but let me say that by the provisions of the Police Act 2020, the IG is now supposed to have a kind of four-year period and Mr. President has already given him letter of appointment in that regard. So, the issue of IG going out during this election period does not arise.”

Dingyadi further spoke on FEC’s approval of the draft bill for an Act to establish Nigeria Police institutions, which he said was to give legal backing to the existing training institutions across the country and not to build new ones.

According to him, “It is worth it to note that as part of Mr. President’s reform of Nigeria Police ecosystem, the ministry is championing police reforms with the strong backing of the presidency, and stakeholders to address observed gaps in the training and retraining of police officers.

“They have rehabilitated and upgraded available police training institutions and facilities nationwide, tackled lack of funding to take care of the training institutions, and created a robust structure for effective management and administration of the institutions.

“In consideration of the above, the Federal Executive Council has today graciously approved the draft bill for an act to establish Nigeria Police Force College Training Schools and Institutions to serve as centres for professional training of officers, Nigerian Police Force and other related matters.”