Former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro has emphasized the significance of the recent amendment to Section 7 (6) of the Police Act 2020, which allows for a four-year fixed tenure for the Inspector-General of Police (IG). In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Okiro argued that this amendment would bring much-needed stability to the police force in Nigeria. By providing the IG with a guaranteed four-year term, the office will be able to implement long-term initiatives without the interruptions that often come with unpredictable tenure changes. Okiro believes that this stability is crucial for ensuring effective governance within the police department, suggesting that a well-defined term will foster the retention of institutional knowledge and ultimately contribute to increased productivity and efficiency.
Okiro pointed out that the newly amended provision allows the IG to focus on strategic planning and goal-setting, free from the uncertainty of being removed at the discretion of the president or other political actors. This structured approach will, in his view, enable the IG to tackle the ambitious programs necessary for modernizing and improving the capabilities of the police force. By knowing they have the time to enact their plans, IGs can prioritize initiatives that might require sustained efforts, leading to better overall outcomes for law enforcement in Nigeria.
Prior to the amendment, the appointment of an IG could be heavily influenced by political considerations, often leading to frequent changes in leadership that could impede progress. Okiro, as a former chairman of the Police Service Commission, noted that he had advocated for a system where an IG could only be removed by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, rather than direct presidential discretion. He stressed that the instability caused by the previous system was detrimental to both the police and the broader societal context, emphasizing that a more secure tenure ensures greater accountability and performance in the police service.
The amendment also disregards previous retirement age limits present in civil service regulations, thereby allowing the IG to remain in office until the completion of the designated term. This change is seen as a significant shift in governance structure within the Nigeria Police, dovetailing with Okiro’s vision to ensure that the IG can prioritize the needs of both the police force and the nation. The emphasis on the importance of continuity in leadership was reiterated, highlighting that the police force can only benefit from targeted, consistent leadership.
As Nigeria celebrated its 64th independence anniversary, Okiro urged the political class to honor the promises made to their constituents during election campaigns. He expressed a strong belief in the nation’s potential for growth and development, suggesting that cooperation between the government and the populace is essential. According to Okiro, the achievement of a prosperous Nigeria is contingent upon the political leaders acting faithfully in accordance with their pledges, thus rallying the citizenry to be active participants in the nation-building process.
In his concluding remarks, Okiro maintained that no government could single-handedly address the numerous challenges facing Nigeria today. The call for national unity resonated throughout his discussion, as he championed the idea that collective effort, both from the political class and the citizens, is vital for the progress of the country. The amendment to the Police Act is portrayed as a step toward fostering a more robust and efficient law enforcement agency, one that can positively impact the broader landscape of governance and civil safety in Nigeria. This collaborative ethos, according to Okiro, is the linchpin for realizing the aspirations of all Nigerians.
