The Police Service Commission (PSC) has ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have served more than 35 years or are over the age of 60.
The instruction comes after a scandal erupted over Kayode Egbetokun’s stint as Inspector General of Police, which ended after 60 years.
The police and the attorney general of the federation have, however, stated that his ongoing tenure in office is legal.
The PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, stated on Friday that the commission revised its previous stance from the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which enabled force entrants to utilise their date of enlistment rather than their initial appointment date.
However, Ani stated that the PSC has since reversed this decision, claiming conflict with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which requires retirement after 35 years of service or the age of 60.
Ani said, “The Police Service Commission 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 commission at its 24th plenary meeting on 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that the force entrants should have their date of appointment in the force against the date of their enlistment.
“The commission has passionately revisited their decision and has concluded that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of the merger of service in the public service and its violation of Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.”
Ani also stated that the directive has been formally communicated to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation.
“The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, retd., presided over the extraordinary meeting and had Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon. Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu, retd., fdc., Honourable Commissioner representing the Police; and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, in attendance.
“The commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation,” the statement added.
