The Police Service Commission (PSC) has denied issuing any directive for the immediate retirement of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun amid growing concerns over his tenure.
Earlier reports indicated that the PSC had approved the immediate retirement of senior police officers who are over 60 years old or have served for 35 years.
This decision was made at the PSC’s first extraordinary meeting on Friday. Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, confirmed the approval for the immediate retirement of senior officers who meet these criteria, with a statement saying, “PSC rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.”
Speculation regarding Egbetokun’s status arose because he turned 60 last year. However, in a statement on Monday, the PSC clarified that this directive does not apply to Egbetokun. Ikechukwu Ani emphasized that the PSC does not have the authority to appoint or remove the IGP.
He stated, “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.”
He continued, “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.” He further elaborated that the PSC is charged with responsibilities such as appointment, promotion, dismissal, and disciplinary control over officers within the Nigeria Police Force, but this mandate does not extend to the IGP, who is appointed by 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,” Ani stated.
READ MORE: https://parallelfactsnews.com/kenya-airways-agent-delay-nigerian-passenger/
The PSC also expressed its satisfaction with its legal mandate and its relationship with the IGP, asserting that it does not seek additional powers outside of what is granted by law.
In light of the controversy, civil society advocacy groups have raised concerns about the political motivations behind the extension of IGP Egbetokun’s tenure. On January 23, 2024, SaharaReporters reported that several organizations, including the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, expressed worries over the amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which extends Egbetokun’s tenure beyond the statutory retirement age.
This amendment has sparked fears of nepotism, abuse of power, and undermining transparency. Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), signed a statement calling for adherence to constitutional guidelines in appointing future IGPs to ensure the integrity of the police force. Civil society groups are urging Tinubu to promote unity within the force and ensure the upholding of democratic principles.
On July 23, 2024, the Nigerian Senate passed the controversial Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, which seeks to amend the Police Act of 2020. The amendment would extend the retirement age of police officers from 60 to 65 and their service tenure from 35 to 40 years. This bill, which was sent to the House of Representatives for approval, has been widely criticized by various stakeholders, including the PSC, Ministry of Police Affairs, and National Salaries and Wages Commission.
The Ministry of Police Affairs raised concerns that the proposed amendment could lead to stagnation within the force and have far-reaching consequences, not just for the police but potentially for the military and other paramilitary agencies. Meanwhile, the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, defended the bill, stating that it was first introduced in the 8th Assembly and was aimed at improving the conditions of service for police officers, not for personal gain.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
.
