PSC Clarifies Authority: No power over IGP appointment or removal

IGP Kayode Egbetokun

Amidst public speculation, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has officially announced that it lacks the constitutional authority to appoint or remove the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). 

This clarification follows the PSC’s recent directive for the retirement of senior police officers who have served for 35 years or are 60 years or older, which stirred questions regarding the status of the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC spokesperson, in a press statement, disclosed that the commission has received numerous inquiries about IGP Kayode Egbetokun following the retirement directive. 

The however explains that the PSC’s mandate, as defined by Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act of 2001, includes the appointment, promotion, dismissal, and disciplinary control over officers in the Nigeria Police Force, excluding the IGP. 

According to the constitution, the President has the sole authority to appoint or remove the IGP, acting on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council.

The PSC emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a collaborative relationship with the IGP to ensure the Nigeria Police Force’s overall effectiveness

Part of the press statement reads:

“The Commission at its 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board on Friday 31st January 2025, only considered and took decision on the regularisation of 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 at the meeting passionately revisited its decision of 27th and 28th of September 2017 and came to the conclusion that the early decision that Force Entrants should have their Cadet date of appointment in the Force against the date of enlistment, in its intent and purpose contradicted the principles of merger of service in the public service "and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of birth." It therefore set aside the earlier decision. 

“The Commission wishes to state that it is comfortable with the size of the powers, which the Constitution has bestowed on it and is not interested in shopping for more powers that obviously 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 Commission will continue to support the Police Force to achieve its Constitutional mandate of providing security and maintaining law and order across the nation.”
Share on Google Plus

About Newsmart

0 comments:

Post a Comment