The Police Service Commission (PSC) has denied issuing any directive for the immediate retirement of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, amid concerns over his tenure.
Earlier on Friday, MJConcept TV News reported that the Police Service Commission (PSC) had approved the immediate retirement of senior Police officers who are over 60 years old or have served for 35 years.
The PSC had approved the retirement of the senior officers at its first extraordinary meeting on Friday.
Ikechukwu Ani, PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, in a statement on Friday, had said the “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”.
The directive had sparked speculation regarding Egbetokun’s status, as he turned 60 last year.
However, in a statement on Monday, the PSC’s Head of Media, Ikechukwu Ani, clarified that the directive does not apply to the IGP.
He emphasized that the Commission had no authority over his appointment or removal.
He said, “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.
“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 Police Service Commission is one of the Federal Executive Bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. By virtue of Paragraph 30, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and Clause 6(1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001, the Commission is charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal, and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force (except 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 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.
“The Commission wishes to state that it is comfortable with the size of the powers bestowed upon it by the constitution and is not interested in seeking additional powers that 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.”
MJConcept TV News had days ago reported that several organisations, including the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, raised concerns about political motivation, potential abuse of power and illegality of the amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which extends Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure beyond the statutory retirement age.
The amendment raises concerns of political motivation, potential abuse of power, nepotism, and a diminishing commitment to transparency.
Analysts had warned that this could pave the way for future legislative actions to bypass due process.
In a statement signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC Executive Director, on Friday, civil society advocacy groups urged President Tinubu to adhere to constitutional guidelines in appointing future inspectors general, advocating for the integrity of the police institution and promoting unity within the force.
The swift amendment to the Police Act amid public criticism highlights the ongoing tensions between Governmental authority and due process in Nigeria.
Ensuring transparency and adherence to established laws is crucial for maintaining public trust and the integrity of democracy in the country.
On July 23, 2024, MJConcept TV News reported that the Nigerian Senate had passed a controversial Amendment Bill to extend Egbetokun’s tenure beyond September
The Nigerian Senate passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 to amend the Police Act of 2020.
President Bola Tinubu had sent the Police Act Amendment Bill to the House of Representatives, proposing changes to the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
MJConcept TV News had reported how the Bill earlier failed to gain support from stakeholders at a hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
The Bill, aimed at amending the Nigeria Police Act 2020, seeks to increase the retirement age of police officers from 60 to 65 years and their tenure of service from 35 to 40 years.
Inside sources had told MJConcept TV News that Egbetokun was behind the Bill and had allocated a significant amount of funds to lobby for its passage.
However, stakeholders had expressed concerns over the bill.
The proposed extension of the service year and retirement age for Police officers met with widespread criticism from key stakeholders, including the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the National Salaries and Wages Commission during the Public Hearing.
MJConcept TV News also learnt that senior Police officers were angered by the move, which was described as selfish.
The Ministry of Police Affairs in its submission warned that implementing the extension would have unintended and far-reaching consequences, detrimental to the overall health and operations of the Police Force. Moreover, it would set a dangerous precedent for other agencies, such as the military and paramilitary organisations.
The Ministry also argued that increasing the service years of Police personnel would lead to stagnation, hindering progress and innovation within the force, while also negatively impacting motivation and adaptability.
Reacting in a statement issued after the report, Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the Bill was first introduced in the 8th Assembly and was aimed at enhancing the conditions of Service for Police officers, not for personal gain.
Adejobi said the Bill was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before the Assembly’s dissolution.
“It is standard legislative practice to review and update laws to align with current national realities,” he said.