Despite pressure from lobbyists, there were strong indications last night that President Muhammadu Buhari may not extend the tenure of Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris.
It was learnt that the IGP might be directed to hand over to the most senior Deputy Inspector-General of Police next week.
Although, it is within the prerogative of the President to extend the tenure, there had been controversy on whether or not Idris should remain in office.
As at press time, President Buhari has kept the outgoing IGP in suspense.
It was gathered that when the President met with the IGP last week, he only took brief from him and thanked him for his service.
But he was non-committal on the extension or otherwise of his tenure.
A source, who spoke in confidence with TRACK NEWS, said: “The President is not likely to extend the tenure of the IGP but he is waiting for the statutory retirement day before making a pronouncement. You know, Buhari is a due process leader.
“The outgoing IGP is most likely to hand over to the most senior Deputy Inspector-General of Police pending the appointment of a substantive holder.
“If Idris leaves, there will be an Acting IGP and this will not affect security arrangement for the general elections.
“So far, the IGP is expected to be preparing his handover note.”
On what transpired between the President and IGP last week, another source said: “Just a routine pre-retirement interaction, including a brief from the IGP and a thank you by Mr. President.
“There was no words from the President on whether or not he may extend his tenure.”
The second source, however, confirmed that there had been pressure for and against tenure extension for Idris.
The source said: “There is intense lobbying by some groups to allow Idris to remain in office till after the general elections.
“These groups argued that it is untidy to ask Idris to leave about a month to the poll when he has put all logistics in place.
“The President has taken notice of all sides. He is however keeping the IGP in suspense on his decision which will be in the best interest of the country.”
