The President of the Nigerian Bar Association has stated that the extension of the Inspector General of Police’s tenure is in accordance with the constitution. A former IGP also expressed support for the extension citing the current IGP’s competence, performance, and academic qualifications. The President of the NBA explained that the extension is valid under the amended Police Act, allowing the IGP to serve beyond the age of 60. Despite criticism, the Attorney General of the Federation confirmed the legality of the extension. However, another legal practitioner disagreed, arguing that only a constitutional amendment could authorize such an extension.
The NBA President maintained that the extension was lawful as the IGP was still in service when the amendment was made. Another former IGP defended the extension, citing his own experience with controversial tenure extensions. He emphasized that the appointment and tenure extension of IGPs are often politically charged decisions. He stressed the importance of competence and legality in such appointments, supporting the current IGP’s right to serve his extended term.