Gisthood 
The Nigerian Immigration Comptroller’s tenure has been extended by the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Immigration Comptroller Tenure Extended
President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to extend the tenure of Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) until December 31, 2026, has ignited significant public discourse.
However, this decision mirrors the earlier extension granted to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, prompting widespread debate about the implications of such extensions on Nigeria’s governance and institutional integrity.
Police and Immigration Chief’s Extensions so far
Similarly, just like the Immigration Comptroller tenure extension, in July 2024, the National Assembly amended the Nigeria Police Act 2020, effectively extending the IGP’s tenure by granting a fixed four-year term irrespective of age or length of service.
Futhermore, this amendment allowed IGP Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023 and was set to retire upon reaching 60 on September 4, 2024, to remain in office beyond the traditional retirement age.
Also, the swift passage of this amendment, without public hearings, raised concerns about its motivations and potential impact on the police force’s hierarchy and morale.
Public and Institutional Reactions
Futhermore, the extensions have been met with criticism from various quarters.
Senior police officers expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that such amendments undermine loyalty, hard work, and the established retirement structure within the force. Concerns were raised about favoritism and the potential demoralization of officers awaiting promotion.
One senior officer, speaking anonymously, stated that the move could “crash the morale” of the force and questioned the increasing influence of nepotism within the institution.
Also, Gisthood gathered that Civil society organizations (CSOs) have also voiced apprehensions. A coalition of 61 CSOs called on President Tinubu to clarify the rationale behind the IGP’s tenure extension, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the Nigeria Police Force’s stability and public trust.
They noted that such extensions could stoke discontent within the police force and the general public, urging adherence to established regulations to promote capable leadership.
Legal and Ethical Reaction
Consequently, legal experts questioned the constitutionality of these extensions. Human rights lawyer Hamza Nuhu Dantani argued that the amendment to the Police Act violates the sanctity of the rule of law and the principle of equality before the law.
He emphasized that no officer should remain in service after reaching the retirement age or completing 35 years of service, warning that such actions could erode public trust in governance and jeopardize national unity.
Implications for Governance and Institutional Integrity
The extensions set a precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Critics argue that altering established laws to favor specific individuals undermines the rule of law and could lead to a culture of political favoritism.
This approach may disrupt career progression within the affected institutions, lower morale among officers, and erode meritocracy.
Furthermore, such actions risk diminishing public trust in governance structures and the equitable application of laws.
President Tinubu’s decisions to extend the tenures of key security officials have sparked a national conversation about leadership, legality, and the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
As the country grapples with these developments, it remains crucial for the government to balance experience and continuity in leadership with adherence to established laws and principles that uphold institutional integrity and public trust.
