The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have exceeded 35 years in service or turned 60 years old. This decision follows the ongoing IG tenure controversy surrounding Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who recently reached 60 years.
Despite the directive, the Police and the Attorney General of the Federation maintain that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office remains lawful.
PSC Revisits Retirement Guidelines Amid IG Tenure Controversy
PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, stated on Friday that the commission reassessed its previous position established during its 24th plenary meeting in September 2017. The previous stance allowed force entrants to use their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date.
Ani clarified that PSC has now overturned this decision, citing its contradiction with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii). These regulations mandate retirement upon completing 35 years in service or reaching 60 years of age.
Retirement Directive Linked to IG Tenure Controversy
Ani emphasized, “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.”
He further stated, “The commission at its 24th plenary meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that force entrants should have their date of appointment in the force against their date of enlistment.”
However, after revisiting this decision, the commission found it inconsistent with the principles governing public service. The previous rule contradicted the concept of service merger and violated Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which clearly states retirement conditions.
Implementation of PSC’s Directive
Ani confirmed that the directive has been officially communicated to the Inspector General of Police for immediate enforcement.
He stated, “The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), presided over the extraordinary meeting. Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Commissioner representing the Judiciary, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.), Honourable Commissioner representing the Police, and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, were in attendance.”
The statement concluded by affirming that the commission’s decision has been relayed to the Inspector General of Police for swift implementation.
