IGP’s tenure extension: ‘We’ll not tolerate campaign of bitterness’

A coalition of associations, Foreign Goods Traders Association of Nigeria and Food Not Bombs Nigeria, have said they would not tolerate any smear campaign of bitterness and jealousy by any sponsored news agents against the tenure elongation of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Abubakar Adamu, or Presidency.

The groups said Adamu was ready to hand over to his successor, but the presidential order came in for the extension of his tenure for three months.

The Executive Secretary of Foreign Goods Traders Association of Nigeria, Oladahunsi Taofeck, and the National Coordinator of Food Not Bombs Nigeria, Mr. Idowu Isreal, who lauded President Buhari’s effort on Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja, added that the development for the tenure extentsion was projected towards appropriate scrutiny for a competent replacement that will complement the current reforms of Nigeria Police Force embarked upon by the IGP.

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The groups eulogised the IGP for his dexterity, charisma and detribalised patriotism to his fatherland while also commending the Presidency for finding him worthy to actualise the expected total reforms of the Nigeria Police.

‘Unfounded claim’

Taofeeq called on the general public to disregard unfounded story aimed at tarnishing the image of the IGP or Presidency by some online or print media outlets.

According to him, some online media outlets are reputed for orchestrating damaging information to incite the people against the government.

“This is a period when all and sundry irrespective of our interest are expected to jointly work towards ensuring a crime free, crisis free and secured nation with a more reformed police force.

“This is better than dissemination of baseless information that is intended to set the nation back,” he said.

It could be recalled that the outgoing IGP ought to have retired on Feb. 1, 2021 having spent the mandatory 35 years in service, but the Presidency extended his tenure by three months.