National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Faith Toye |
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has stated that it does not have the constitutional power to determine the retirement of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
In a statement on Monday, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, said the commission had been receiving numerous calls, messages, and reports regarding the status of the Inspector-General of Police following its recent directive.
“The Police Service Commission has been inundated with calls, messages, and reports on the status of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, in the aftermath of the Commission’s decision directing all serving police officers who have completed 35 years in service or attained the age of 60 to proceed on immediate retirement in line with the nation’s existing laws,” Ani said.
He, however, clarified that the commission does not have the constitutional power to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police.
“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.
“The law is clear on the mandate of the Commission, and it does not extend to the Inspector-General of Police, who is an appointee of Mr. President with the advice of the Police Council,” he explained.
Ani further referenced Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act of 2001, which outline the PSC’s responsibilities, including the appointment, promotion, dismissal, and disciplinary control of police officers—except for the IGP.
At its first extraordinary meeting of the sixth management board on January 31, 2025, the commission, he said, only deliberated on the regularization of the date of first appointment of Cadet ASPs and Inspector Force entrants.
“This has nothing to do with the Inspector-General of Police or his office,” Ani emphasized.
He also noted that the PSC reviewed its decision from September 27 and 28, 2017, regarding the appointment dates of force entrants and concluded that the previous decision contradicted public service rules on retirement.
“It is in violation of Public Service Rule No. 020908, which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age,” Ani said, adding that the commission had to set aside the earlier decision.
The PSC reassured that it is satisfied with its constitutional powers and is not seeking additional authority beyond what the law provides.
“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 statement read.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the police in fulfilling their constitutional duty of ensuring security and maintaining law and order across the country.
