On Friday, the Police Service Commission (PSC) issued an order for all senior police officers who have either served for more than 35 years or are over the age of 60 to retire immediately.
This directive followed shortly after a new controversy surrounding the tenure extension given to Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, after he turned 60.
The Force Headquarters and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had asserted that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office was lawful.
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PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani explained to journalists in Abuja that the decision was necessary to ensure compliance with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement at 35 years of service or at age 60.
He also clarified that the commission had reversed its previous stance, which allowed officers to use the date of enlistment rather than their appointment date for retirement purposes.
This change was made after a review following the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017.
He 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 at its 24th plenary meeting of 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 it violates Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii), which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.”
The PSC official added that the directive had been formally communicated to the Inspector-General of Police for immediate implementation.
“The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) 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 rtd, 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,” he noted.
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