A Nigerian advocacy group has called for mandatory training for politicians to better understand government structures and positions, following a public dispute over the career history of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
The controversy arose after activist Omoyele Sowore incorrectly claimed in an interview that IGP Egbetokun joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 as a sergeant.
The Good Governance Documentary Network, through its Director of Policy, Comrade Danmusa Tata, clarified that Egbetokun actually joined the police in 1990 as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
He said “By 1992, he would have likely been a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), not a sergeant.
Comrade Tata emphasized that Egbetokun’s career trajectory aligns with his course mates, including Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) Dasuki Galadanchi and Bala Ciroma, who also joined the force in 1990.
“It is incorrect to say he joined as an other rank. He was a cadet ASP from the outset,” Tata stated.
The group also addressed Sowore’s claim that Egbetokun’s rank is equivalent to a permanent secretary in the civil service.
Tata clarified that the IGP’s rank corresponds to a federal director on grade level 17, not a permanent secretary.
The network criticized Sowore’s conduct during a recent encounter with police officers, describing it as disrespectful.
“Such behavior would not be tolerated with law enforcement agencies in other countries, like the Metropolitan Police in London,” Tata said.
He urged activists to maintain respect for law enforcement officers while advocating for change.
The group further stressed the need for politicians to undergo training on government structures and roles before assuming office.
“It is high time politicians who will be elected to represent or govern us undergo prerequisite training to understand the intricacies of governance,” Tata added.
