Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reportedly instructed all senior police officers impacted by the recent retirement directive from the Police Service Commission (PSC) to remain in their positions pending further instructions.
Egbetokun’s order comes in response to the PSC’s directive mandating the immediate retirement of all senior officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or reached the age of 60. The directive, which has sparked widespread debate, particularly regarding the tenure of the IGP himself—who recently turned 60—has added to the ongoing discussions on leadership transitions within the Nigeria Police Force.
PSC’s Revised Retirement Policy Sparks Controversy
In a statement issued on Friday, the Head of Press and Public Relations for the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, explained that the commission had reviewed and reversed its 2017 policy, which previously allowed officers to calculate their service years based on their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date.
This revision brings the retirement policy in alignment with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which stipulates that an officer must retire upon reaching either 35 years of service or 60 years of age. Ani clarified that the commission revisited its earlier stance after determining it was inconsistent with broader public service regulations governing tenure and retirement.
Counter-Directive, Officers Told to Maintain Status Quo
However, according to a report by Vanguard, a wireless message from the Force Secretary’s office has instructed affected officers to disregard the PSC’s directive for now. The message, allegedly issued under the direct orders of IGP Egbetokun, states:
“The Inspector-General of Police strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further instruction. Officers are to comply strictly with this order.”
This development underscores the ongoing tensions between the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission over control of personnel matters, a recurring issue that has led to several legal and administrative battles in recent years.
PSC Clarifies: IGP Not Affected by Directive
Meanwhile, the PSC has clarified that its directive does not apply to the IGP himself, as the commission does not possess the constitutional authority to remove him from office. This statement is seen as an attempt to quell speculation surrounding Egbetokun’s position, even as the broader policy shift continues to generate debate within the force and among stakeholders in Nigeria’s security sector.
Observers say this standoff could further test the balance of power between the PSC and the police leadership, with potential implications for future appointments and retirements within the force.
