There has been widespread condemnation of the continued retention of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector General of Police by President Bola Tinubu after he has attained the age of 60. Many contend that such act is a violation of the Civil Service Rule and the 1999 Constitution as amended, what is your stand on this matter?
Yes, like I have been saying, Kayode Egbetokun is not Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police. His tenure elapsed on the 4th of September 2024. It is either you have served 35 years or you are 60 years as specified by law. You cannot be Inspector General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when there are procedures stipulated by law to be in that position and as far as those conditions or requirements are not there, Kayode Egbetokun is not the Inspector General of Police of Nigeria. I am already in court and the right thing will be done. It happened during (Muhammadu) Buhari regime when he appointed Mohammed Adamu as the IGP and I challenged him in court when President Tinubu came, he was removed. Executive illegalities cannot prevail against the people.
But there was an amendment of the Police Act by the National Assembly to allow him complete four years in office as IGP?
Yes, but there is the Civil Service Rule and also Police Act, these areas have to be respected, this is my position, The intention of a lawyer is to become a SAN, the intention of a lecturer is to become a Dean or VC then that of a police officer is to become a DIG, if someone comes trying to alter the constitution to favour an individual or for a purpose, what will be the attitude of young officers? The Civil Service Rule says 35 years or 60 years which Egbetokun has attained, so he should leave.
When you talk of intention or Purpose, Are you thinking of 2027?
Yes, don’t forget that Egbetokun was the President’s ADC when he was then governor of Lagos State and 2027 is knocking, he will look for a trusted person that can favour him or do his bidding. We all know the roles of some security agents during elections, so he will also use it as a settlement for the president as a loyal servant.
Some people say that you are controversial?
I don’t know what you mean by being controversial, am only against illegalities, saying no to what is wrong and agreeing to what is right, so to me it does not mean being controversial. If your right is infringed, I will stand for you even the less privileged who cannot talk or rise for their right. This is what I stand for and will continue to do.
