Police Affairs Minister, Dr. Muhammed Maigari Dingyadi, on Thursday described as misrepresentation, reports that Inspector General of Police (IG) Alkali Usman‘s tenure has been extended.
Dingyadi said the clarification was necessary as he only emphasized that Alkali’s appointment in 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari was for four years in line with the Police Act, 2020.
A statement by his media aide, Osaigbovo Ehisienmen, quoted Sections 7(3) and 7(6) of the Police Act which provides the appointment and tenure of an IGP.
He said: “The Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Muhammed Maigari Dingyadi, has noted with concern misrepresentation of his response on the tenure for Inspector-General of Police by some sections of the media, following his engagement with State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House on Wednesday 18th January 2023.
Honourable Minister during the media engagement also responded to inquiries on the retirement date of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP. Usman Alkali Baba,
CFR.
“For clarity purposes, IGP. Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on 6th April 2021.
“His appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council headed by Mr. President in June 2021 for a single tenure of four years as provided for, in Section 7(3), and Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020 which amongst others states “that the person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years”.
These provisions of the 2020 amended Police Acts should not be misconstrued for tenure extension as erroneously reported in some sections of the media.”