The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence, under the able leadership of Bature Haruna, National President, and Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah, FCT Coordinator, hereby issues this press release in support of the extension of the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The press release states;
“The IGP’s position is not merely an administrative role but a high-level, strategic appointment that falls within the exclusive prerogative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains a key pillar in ensuring national security, and its leadership must be handled with the utmost professionalism, experience, and continuity.
“It is important to note that just as in the military, where a General can be recalled to active service to address critical national security concerns, the President has acted in good faith by relying on the provisions of the Police Act to extend the IGP’s tenure.
“A clear precedent of such a recall was the appointment of Hameed Ali, a retired Army Colonel, as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Hameed Ali served for eight years, bringing much-needed reforms and efficiency to the customs service. This further justifies the need for experienced leadership continuity in strategic institutions like the police force.
“It is, therefore, regrettable that rather than seeking legal redress through appropriate channels, certain individuals, including Omoyele Sowore, have resorted to public attacks, misinformation, and inflammatory remarks against the IGP and, by extension, the President.
“In a democratic society, due process must be followed, and grievances should be addressed within the framework of the law, not through reckless rhetoric that undermines national institutions.
“The decision to extend the IGP’s tenure aligns with the President’s constitutional duty as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to ensure internal security, law, and order.
“This extension is essential for the continuity of policing strategies, the implementation of ongoing security reforms, and the stability of the nation’s law enforcement architecture.
“A sudden change in leadership at this critical time could destabilize the progress already made in the fight against crime, banditry, terrorism, and cybercrime.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the youth, to reject divisive narratives and instead support actions that promote peace, security, and the growth of our institutions.
“True patriotism is about building strong systems, not tearing them down for personal or political gains.
“As an organization committed to fostering peaceful coexistence across Nigeria, we urge political actors to act responsibly and in the collective interest of the nation.
“Conclusively, the Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence fully supports the President’s decision to extend the IGP’s tenure, as it is within his constitutional powers and aligns with the best interests of Nigeria’s security and stability.
“Those who disagree should follow the appropriate legal channels rather than engage in unnecessary distractions that do not serve the nation.
“We remain committed to national unity, peace, and progress.