HURMA Warns Of Legal Challenges If President Tinubu Approves “Self-Serving” Police Act Amendment

The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reject the recent amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.

In a press conference held on August 16, 2024, at IPC, Ogba, Ikeja-Lagos, the executive director, HURMA, Olaitan Balogun, said the organisation, committed to defending human rights and ensuring transparent governance, voiced significant concerns over the process and implications of the bill.

Balogun stated “We campaign for accountability, openness in governance, and the exhibition of due process of law in appointments and removals of public officers.

“The group is particularly alarmed by the National Assembly’s rapid passage of the amendment bill, which could potentially extend the term of current Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, despite his upcoming retirement in September 2024.”

The organisation emphasised the strategic importance of the Inspector General’s role, noting that Mr. Egbetokun should have commenced terminal leave to allow for the appointment of a new officer in an acting capacity, in line with Section 215(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.

HURMA criticised the bill’s passage without public hearings, labelling it as flawed and self-serving. They urged the President to act in accordance with his oath of office, stating, “We plead with the President to use his constitutional powers to prevent internal conspiracy and disloyalty within the police force.”

The group warned that the amendment, if enacted, may be challenged in court for failing to adhere to legal standards.

The civic group urged the President to withhold consent and reaffirmed their commitment to working with other pro-democracy groups to uphold the principle of due process in the appointment of the Inspector General.

HURMA also highlighted concerns about Egbetokun’s performance, describing it as “abysmal” and unfit for modern police command in Nigeria. They stressed that bending the law to extend his tenure would be a disservice to the country.

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