Minister of Police Affairs Maigari Dingyadi has explained why the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Adamu, did not complete his three-month tenure extension before a replacement was announced for his position.
Dingyadi said the tenure extension of the former police boss was terminated following the completion of the selection process for a new IGP.
The president, has, since appointed Usman Alkali Baba as acting IGP.
Alkali’s appointment was directed to be with immediate effect.
The former IGP, Mohammed Adamu, was due for retirement on February 4, 2021 having spent the statutory 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force.
But instead of announcing Adamu’s successor, President Buhari extended his tenure as IGP for three months.
According to the statement which announced his tenure extension, Buhari said the decision was “to allow for a robust and efficient process of appointing a new IG.”
The statement added, “This is not unconnected to the desire of Mr President to, not only have a smooth handover, but to also ensure that the right officer is appointed into that position.”
Adamu, had however, spent two months and three days of the extended period when it was terminated.
The minister, while reacting to why the president did not allow the outgoing I-G exhaust the three months extension, said the buck stops on Buhari’s table.
Dingyadi said, “The president is aware of this and you cannot take away that responsibility from him; he’s the one who is in charge of appointing or extending tenures.
“He has now decided to appoint a new person. So, please, allow him that responsibility and we cannot do anything about it,” he said.
The minister explained that the appointment of the acting I-G followed a thorough check of a shortlist of suitably qualified police officers from the rank of DIGs and AIGs.
He said all the shortlisted candidates were police officers, eligible for appointment as I-G, in line with Section 7, Sub-section 2 of the Nigeria Police Act (2020).
“The tenure of the I-G Mohammed Adamu, which ended on February 1, 2021, was extended by the president to enable a detailed process of appointing a new I-G, in line with Section 15 (A) of the 1999 Constitution.
“After a thorough check of a shortlist of suitably qualified police officers from the rank of DIGs and AIGs, who are eligible police officers, eligible for appointment as I-G, in line with Section 7, Sub-section 2 of the Nigeria Police Act (2020).
“And having regards to seniority, professionalism, record of service and competence, the president has approved the appointment of an acting I-G, in the person of Usman Alkali Baba, with immediate effect.
“These changes are in line with the determination of the president to rejig the security architecture and to ensure that the security challenges bedevilling the nation are brought to an end.
“The president has, therefore, charged the new appointee to rise to the challenge to ensure policing reform policy of this administration are fully prioritised and implemented to enable the police to perform most effectively for the peace and security of lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.
The minister quoted the president as thanking the outgoing I-G, Mohammed Adamu, for his professionalism and dedication to duty during the period of his tenure.
“He wished him all the best in his future endeavours”.
