THE CABLE
Controversy is currently brewing over the tenure of Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP).
Baba was appointed as IGP in April 2021. However, on March 1, 2023, he will clock 60 years old and according to his profile, he was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on March 15, 1988, as a cadet assistant superintendent of police.
This means Baba is weeks away from reaching retirement — whether by age or years in service — going by the public service rule.
Analysts have raised concerns about the IGP retiring amid the general election.
Reacting to the speculations, Mohammed Dingyadi, minister of police affairs, said the appointment of Baba is based on a four-year tenure in line with provisions of the Police Act of 2020.
“By the provision of Police Act 2020, the IGP is now supposed to have a tenure of four-year period and Mr. President has given him a letter of appointment in that regard,” Dingyadi said.
LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR IGP APPOINTMENT
Section 7 of the Police Act of 2020 stipulates that:
“(1) The Inspector-General of Police is the head of the Nigeria Police Force and shall exercise full command and operational control over the Police and all its departments and units.
“(2) The person to be appointed as Inspector-General of Police shall be a senior police officer not below the rank of an Assistant Inspector-General of Police with the requisite academic qualifications of not less than a first degree or its equivalent in addition to professional and management experience.
“(3) The Inspector-General of Police shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Police Council from among serving members of the Police Force.
