Police Service Commission Mandates Retirement Of Senior Officers Over 60 Amid IG Tenure Debate.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have served for over 35 years or reached the age of 60. This directive comes amidst swirling debates regarding the continued tenure of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday.
The decision, detailed in a statement released on Friday by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, addresses the controversy surrounding the Inspector General’s position. Despite the legal backing from both the Nigerian Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation for Egbetokun’s ongoing service, the PSC has moved to enforce retirement rules strictly.
The commission revisited its earlier policy from the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which had allowed new force entrants to base their retirement on their enlistment date rather than their appointment date. This policy, according to Ani, was found to be at odds with the Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which clearly stipulates that officers must retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.
“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 it violates Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii),” Ani stated.
The directive has been officially communicated to the Inspector General of Police for swift implementation. The extraordinary meeting that led to this decision was chaired by the Commission Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, and included notable attendees like Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, a retired Supreme Court Justice representing the Judiciary, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retired), representing the Police, and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, the Commission’s Secretary.
“The commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation,” Ani confirmed in the statement.
This mandate by the PSC underscores a significant shift back towards strict adherence to public service regulations, potentially setting a precedent for how age and service length are considered in retirement policies across various governmental sectors.
