2015: FG considers tenure extension for IG

2015: FG considers tenure extension for IG

There are strong indications that the Federal Government may extend the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, following the intervention of powerful elements in the Presidency, who believed he had performed creditably since he assumed office.

It was learnt that Abubakar had already received the assurances of the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, that his tenure would be extended till the end of the 2015 general elections.

Sambo, who seems to have been impressed with Abubakar’s achievements in the Force, reportedly assured the IG that “you will be with us till the end of 2015 (elections).”

“It is almost certain that Abubakar’s tenure would be renewed by one year so that he can supervise the conduct of the 2015 elections; the VP has pulled some strings and it is highly likely that the President would grant the IG the privilege of a tenure extension,” a source said.

Abubakar, from Zamfara State, enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on July 30, 1979 and is due for retirement on July 30, 2014, based on the mandatory retirement age.

Our correspondent gathered that the IG, who is desirous of spending ‘extra time’ in office, has been anxious that he may not get the privilege of a tenure extension, which was enjoyed by a former IG, Sunday Ehindero, whose tenure was extended by a year by the Obasanjo administration.

Findings indicated that President Goodluck Jonathan had planned to replace Abubakar with a new officer who would supervise the conduct of the 2015 elections, but the Vice President was said to have prevailed on him to grant the IG another year in office.

Abubakar had, within two years in office, impressed the government with some innovations and policies he introduced into the Nigeria Police Force.

Among other things, the police boss successfully stopped checkpoints by policemen on the highway, through which they extorted motorists and other road users.

The IG made accommodation as one of his objectives by strengthening the Police Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd., which acquired a primary mortgage institution, Fokas Savings and Loans Limited.

He also approved the construction of more police primary schools and secondary schools (boarding) while paying attention to the welfare of his men and officers.

Meanwhile, the IG on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters, decorated some newly promoted senior police officers as part of efforts to boost the morale of personnel and reward merit and excellence in the law enforcement agency.

Those decorated include AIG Grace Okudo, CPs Elias Wayemeru, Henry Fadairo and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Usman.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, now an Assistant Commissioner of Police, was also decorated.

They were among the 210 officers recently promoted by the police high command.

While congratulating the promoted officers, Abubakar emphasised the need for greater commitment to the current fight against terrorism and all forms of crimes and criminality.

He charged the officers to justify their elevation by rededicating themselves to their core mandate and the advancement of the positive image of the Force.