NATIONAL: NPC may nominate Adamu’s successor as IGP next month

THERE are indications that a new police boss may take the reins of leadership from the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, by February.

Though the police council has yet to make any announcement to that effect, the current IGP is expected to retire next month when he would have spent 35 years in service.

However, there are reports that the current IGP may be making moves to get a tenure extension from the Nigerian Police Council and other influential Nigerians.

The council, which is chaired by the President, comprises the 36 state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Adamu is said to be asking for tenure extension so that he can conclude certain reforms in the police.

It is not yet known whether he will get the backing of President Buhari and join the league of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede, and the Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Muhammadu Gana, who recently got tenure extension.

It was gathered that the race for the IGP’s successor has begun with some state governors, influential politicians and traditional rulers rooting for their candidates.

According to Saturday Punch, a senior official said intense lobby for the new IG has commenced with various interest groups pushing the candidacy of their protégés.

A handful out of about 20 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police are eligible for appointment as the next IG.

A source, said Punch, stated, “The police council always meets confidentially to decide the next IG but a lot of people are already pushing for their candidates; the pressure is high but it is the President’s prerogative to select the IG.