From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it lacks the authority to appoint or remove the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, from office.
In the wake of controversy surrounding the tenure of IGP Egbetokun having attained the retirement age of 60 years on September 4, 2024, the PSC, on Friday, directed immediate retirement of all senior police officials who have surpassed 35 years of service or are over 60.
Clarifying a statement on Monday, PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said the directive only applied to officers within the PSC’s jurisdiction and not the IGP, whose appointment is a presidential decision based on the advice of the Police Council.
“The commission does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police. The law is clear on this matter. The Inspector-General of Police is appointed by the President, and his removal follows due process as outlined by the constitution.
“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”, Ani said.
The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with police leadership while maintaining its constitutional role in overseeing other officers within the force.
