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PSC denies ordering Egbetokun’s retirement
The Police Service Commission has denied issuing a directive for the immediate retirement of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
On Friday, the commission ordered officers over 60 years old or have served for more than 35 years to proceed with immediate retirement.
This directive came amid controversies surrounding the IG’s tenure, as he turned 60 last year.
Despite clarifications from both the police and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, concerns over the IG’s tenure have persisted.
In a statement on Monday, the PSC’s Head of Media, Ikechukwu Ani, clarified that the IG was not included in the commission’s directive, adding that the commission has no authority over Egbetokun.
He said, “The PSC has been inundated with calls, messages, and reports on the status of the IG following the commission’s decision, directing all serving police officers who have served for 35 years or have attained the age of 60 years to proceed on immediate retirement, in line with the nation’s existing laws.
“The commission wishes to state that it does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police.
“The Police Service Commission is one of the Federal Executive Bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. By virtue of Paragraph 30, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and Clause 6(1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001, the commission is charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal, and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force (except the Inspector-General of Police).”
Ani explained that the IG is a presidential appointee, chosen based on the advice of the Police Council.
He said, “The law is clear on the mandate of the commission, and it does not extend to the Inspector-General of Police, who is an appointee of the President, with the advice of the Police Council.
“The commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th management board on Friday, January 31, 2025, only considered and made a decision on the regularisation of the date of first appointment of CADET ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants. This has nothing to do with the Inspector-General of Police or his office.
“The commission wishes to state that it is comfortable with the size of the powers bestowed upon it by the constitution and is not interested in seeking additional powers that are not backed by law.
“It notes that it has maintained a close and complementary working relationship with the Inspector-General of Police in the overall interest of the Nigeria Police Force.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced adjustment for the campaign period ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The adjusted schedule for the election was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election and adjusted the Osun State Governorship Election forward by one week from the 8th of August 2026 to the 15th.
“As a result of this adjustment, the last day for political parties’ campaigns in the state is now midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in line with Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides that campaigns shall end 24 hours prior to election day.
“The Commission urges all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the revised timeline.
“INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections,” the statement read.
Fresh allegations have surfaced against former Zamfara State Governor and current senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, accusing him of engaging in large-scale financial inducements aimed at influencing political figures and advancing his ambition to become Nigeria’s Vice President.
According to claims attributed to unnamed sources, Yari is allegedly distributing billions of naira to politicians and influential individuals, while reportedly keeping detailed records of such transactions for potential leverage. The allegations suggest that these actions are part of a broader effort to position himself as a possible running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should there be any change involving current Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The report further alleges that Yari has made substantial monthly payments to key political figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as well as providing funds to presidential aides to secure access and influence.
In addition, Yari is said to have targeted individuals within the inner circle of the President, including associates and family members. One claim alleges that he distributed millions of dollars during a recent birthday event for Gilbert Chagoury.
The senator is also reportedly linked to the establishment of a political support group, the Renewed Hope Network, allegedly funded with billions of naira and coordinated through political ally James Abiodun Faleke.
Further allegations tie Yari to past financial dealings involving late former President Muhammadu Buhari and former First Lady Aisha Buhari, with claims that funds were exchanged and later referenced during investigations into alleged fraud cases.
Sources also claim that Yari’s wealth is partly derived from illegal gold mining activities in Zamfara State, alongside consultancy payments reportedly received from the Federal Government.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Yari or the individuals named in the allegations. The claims also remain unverified, and no formal charges or independent confirmations have been publicly established.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that he is ready to contest the 2027 election to seek a second term in office as Nigeria’s leader.
According to him, he is ready to break the shackles of ignorance and poverty, put freedom in the hearts of Nigerians and ensure democracy survives.
Taking a swipe at opposition parties, President Tinubu said he wants to give something different from the rascality or noise-making of a street convention.
According to him, the country must submit to the principles of separation of powers and respect the judiciary even when rulings don’t favour a particular group.
Naija News reports that Tinubu made the declaration when he met with the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu added that he can’t be intimidated by the antics of opposition parties and politicians, declaring that he was once in their shoes and understands the game.
“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I have been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over again, I will do the same thing,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his interest in the 2027 presidency.
Onanuga argued that Atiku is simply pursuing a self-serving interest without regard for zoning or Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement, which gives preference to a southern candidate for the 2027 presidency.
According to the presidential media aide, Atiku has constantly disregarded zoning arrangements in his previous ambitions for the presidency, leading to a crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He added that Atiku’s open declaration of intent to contest the 2027 presidency is following the same route and may plunge the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into similar troubles.
Onanuga, however, predicted that Atiku would suffer a resounding defeat at the polls, describing him as a man who never learns.
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