Amid the raging #EndSARS protests across the country, an American-based Nigerian Socio-Economic Development Practitioner has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to extend the tenure of incumbent Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, who will clock 35 years in service early next year.
In an official letter he sent to President Buhari this week, Dr. Owens Hercule, an Econometric and Social Psychologist based in Texas, United States, also suggested that a replacement should be sought for the IGP Adamu, who will attain the statutory 35 years in service on February 1, 2020.
In the letter, a copy of which NATIONAL ACCORD obtained, Dr. Owens drew attention to the Nigeria Police Force (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (Harmonized), which President Buhari signed into Law.
While advocating for a change of the narrative, Dr. Owens noted that IGP Adamu, who would also attain the age of 60 next year, “has done his best and Nigeria is immensely grateful.”
He reminded President Buhari, “the Bill you have signed into Law does not allow for extension of service in my humble opinion. Section 18 (8) “Every Police Officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for a period of 35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier”, corroborates this position.”
According to Dr. Owens, “Flowing from this and with recent development, would it be out of place if I advise that a replacement is sought, for the outgoing IGP?
“An IGP who shall serve four years according to Clause 7(6) which states that, “The person appointed to the Office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold Office for four (4) years subject to the provision of clause 18 (8) “. A time long enough for rebuilding and repositioning the NPF into a robust, proactive, human right-sensitive, technology driven and community friendly law enforcement organization.
“It will be of greater benefit and set the right precedence to appoint a younger General Duty Police Officer who has more than 4 years in service with cognate experience in line with the recently signed Police Act 2020. Section 7(2-6), refers, Sir. An Officer who will be up to the task of rebuilding the NPF with appropriate timelines and deliverables while laying a solid foundation and frame work for a brand-new policing service that is world class and earns us respect in the comity of nations.
“This will undoubtedly bring about a well-motivated NPF that adheres to civil liberties, freedom, rule of law, protection of life and Properties.”
According to the Econometric and Social Psychologist, “a Nigeria Police Force that is accountable, transparent, fair, just, equitable, efficient, effective and concomitantly, nucleating enduring cooperation and partnership with host communities. This is the kind of Police we need Today.”
He further told the President to “kindly note that this development has gone beyond intimidation. These youths are resolute and very comprehensive in their demands.”
“Sir, history beckons on you to, please, act creditably and timeously,” he submitted.
“Finally, I salute your courage Your Excellency! As you have been entrusted with a monumental opportunity to bring about a change and you cannot fail. May history be kind to you and us all,” Dr. Owens prayed.
