Former IG Mike Okiro Advocates Four-Year Tenure for Police Chief to Enhance Stability and Effectiveness
2 min readFormer Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro has stated that amending Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020 to establish a four-year tenure for the Inspector-General of Police will enhance stability within the police force.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja, Okiro emphasized that this change would provide the IG with sufficient time to implement various initiatives effectively.
He noted, “The four-year tenure will promote stability within the Nigeria Police, helping to maintain institutional knowledge and reduce disruptions. This extended period will also lead to greater productivity and efficiency in fulfilling responsibilities.”
“It is my strong conviction that this amendment will enable the Inspector-General to concentrate on long-term planning, goal-setting, and effective execution of initiatives,” Okiro stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Senate has recently amended Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020, allowing the Inspector-General to complete a four-year term regardless of age or years of service.
Okiro, who previously served as the chairman of the Police Service Commission, also advocated that the IG should only be removed from office by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, rather than by the president.
“The police and the country are suffering due to the lack of stability in the system,” he remarked.
Okiro noted that previously, inspectors-general of police served at the discretion of the president, resulting in a lack of tenure security.
“The law has now removed the retirement age of 60 and the 35 years of service limit that apply to civil servants. With this new law, the IG can focus on what benefits the police and the country,” he stated.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the amendment ensures that anyone appointed as IG will remain in office for the full four-year term specified in their appointment letter.
On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, the former IG called on the political class to fulfill their campaign promises to the Nigerian people.
“Nigeria has all the potential to improve. The political class must deliver on their commitments, and our nation will thrive if we unite,” he emphasized.
The former chairman of the Police Service Commission urged Nigerians to play their part in the country’s development, emphasizing that no government can achieve progress alone.
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