President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to name a new Inspector-General of Police as the incumbent police chief, Mohammed Adamu, is due to take a bow out of service, today , Monday.
Several sources says, the president’s action is being awaited, just as prominent socio-cultural groups and civil society organisations have called on the president to do the right thing and stick to the rule of law in taking his decision.
While the IGP’s days in the police are officially up, on account of attaining 35 years in service, the president has the prerogative to extend his stay.
But informed sources told reporters that the president is unlikely to give Adamu the fiat to stay beyond his statutory service age.
A top source at the Presidency said that Adamu is expected to hand over to the most senior police officer, in the event no announcement was made before the end of today.
“This is a post that has limit. If a position like that is given to you, the expectation is one leaves at the due date except if there is an instruction to the contrary. Right now there is no such communication,” he said.
Multiple sources told one of our reporters that Adamu’s fate was sealed on Wednesday after the president was briefed on the vacancy in the police top post by Minister of Police Affairs Maigari Dingyadi, at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
It was authoritatively gathered that the minister presented a shortlist of Deputy Inspector-Generals (DGIs) and Assistant Inspector-Generals (AIGs) to the president for his consideration.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ehisienmen Osaigvo, did not respond to a request for comments on this story as at press time.
However, Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, declined comment when contacted by newsmen.
But a credible security source allege that the presidency had directed the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Department of States Security (DSS) to prepare confidential briefings on seven senior police officers on the rank of DIG and AIG.
It was gathered that course mates of IGP Adamu, serving in various positions in the Police Force, had reportedly vacated their offices as of last night.
Sources in Abuja and other places said the IGP’s mates, including a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), DIG Ibrahim Lamorde, DIG Michael Anthony Ogbizi, AIG Mohammad Mustafa have emptied their offices in preparation for quitting the Force on Monday.
Despite these developments, Adamu is said to be still staying foot in his post with some of his promoters urging for a six months extension for him.
Checks last night indicated that Adamu was still occupying the IGP’s official residence in Maitama, Abuja, while he was yet to vacate his office.
A source at the Ministry of Police Affairs told one of our reporters last night that the presidency will announce a new acting inspector general of police on Monday.
“Everything is concluded, you should just wait for the appointment from the Villa,” the source who asked not to be named for fear of sanctions told newsmen.
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