The Police Service Commission (PSC) has ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60.
This directive follows controversy surrounding the tenure of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, after he reached the age of 60.
The Police and the Attorney General of the Federation have argued that his continued stay in office is lawful.
A statement on Friday by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, noted that the commission reviewed its earlier stance from the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which allowed force entrants to use their date of enlistment instead of their initial appointment date.
However, Ani said the PSC has now reversed this decision, citing its inconsistency with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon reaching 35 years in service or the age of 60.
Ani stated, “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 has passionately revisited their decision and concluded that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of the merger of service in the public service and violated Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which provides for retirement upon attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.”
The directive has been formally communicated to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation.
The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, presided over the extraordinary meeting with Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court; DIG Taiwo Lakanu, retired, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police; and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, in attendance.
