'Why IG Usman's tenure was extended'

• Published date: 19 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Those awaiting the exit of Alkali Usman as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on the attainment of the retirement age of 60 on March 1 will have to wait for more time.

Reason: the IG's appointment has been extended, Police Affairs Minister Mohammed Dingyadi confirmed yesterday.

Under the civil service rule, a public servant retires either of these two grounds - attainment of 60 years, or after 35 years in service.

But the minister's clarification at the State House in Abuja, put paid to speculations on whether the IG will quit midway into the elections.

The polls are scheduled for February 25 (president and National Assembly) and March 11 governorship and State Assembly).

Brief State House reporters after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC), Dingyadi explained that the Police Act 2020 has changed the rules for the retirement of an IG.

Fielding reporters' questions on whether the IG will retire at 60 or not, Dingyadi said: 'I don't know where you got your record, but let me say that by the provision 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.'

On April 6, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Usman, then a Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) as IG in acting capacity.

The Police Council confirmed him as the substantive IG in June 2021.

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There had been concerns over the expected retirement of IG Usman; three DIGs, many Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs); Commissioners of Police (CPs) and 290 other senior officers in the first quarter of this year.

Dingyadi also disclosed that the FEC approved draft bill for an Act to establish Nigeria Police Institutions, which he said has a mandate to provide legal backing to the existing training institutions across the country and not to build new ones.

The minister also affirmed that the level of corruption within the Nigeria Police has...