President Muhummadu Buhari may likely announce the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Monday as the incumbent, Mohammed Adamu, retires today.
Adamu has reached the mandatory 35 years in service, having enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on February 1, 1986, as a member of the ASP Cadet Course 14.
Buhari signed the new Police Act in 2020, which pegs the retirement age of police officers at 60 years of age or 35 years of service. But by the Nigerian constitution, the president has the prerogative to extend the tenure of the Police boss if he so desires; just as he did to the former service chiefs and heads of some paramilitary organisations.
However, intense lobbying had since commenced by some Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspector-Generals of Police (AIGs) who will replace Adamu.
On Sunday, there were speculations from different quarters that there was the likelihood for President Buhari to extend Adamu’s tenure. They hinged their arguments on the mandatory “pull out” ceremony that is usually conducted for retiring IGPs on their last day in office, which was yet to be conducted for Adamu.
But there is strong indication on Monday that Adamu may not get the President’s nod of extension as speculated. Sources at the Presidency said Adamu is expected to hand over to the most senior police officer, as enshrined in the civil service rule, pending the time the President will appoint his successor.
