Amid swirling controversy over the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has firmly denied issuing any directive for his immediate retirement.
The commission’s clarification comes in the wake of its recent order mandating all police officers who have either turned 60 or completed 35 years of service to proceed on immediate retirement. Given that IGP Egbetokun turned 60 last year, speculations mounted over whether he was affected by this directive.
Despite prior explanations from both the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation, uncertainty lingered over Egbetokun’s status, prompting the PSC to set the record straight.
In a statement issued Monday, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani dismissed reports that the commission had authority over the IGP’s tenure, emphasizing that such decisions fall outside its constitutional jurisdiction.
Ani explained that while the PSC has oversight on police appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions, its powers do not extend to the Inspector General of Police, who is a direct appointee of the President.
“The PSC has been inundated with calls, messages, and reports on the status of the IGP following our directive on officers due for retirement,” Ani said. “We wish to state categorically that the commission does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector General of Police.”
Citing Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act of 2001, Ani reiterated that the commission’s authority applies to all ranks except the IGP.
“The law is clear on our mandate. The Inspector General of Police is appointed by Mr. President, with the advice of the Police Council. The PSC plays no role in determining his tenure,” he stressed.
Ani further clarified that at its extraordinary meeting on January 31, 2025, the PSC deliberated only on the regularization of first appointment dates for Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and Inspectors who joined through the Force Entry program.
“This decision had nothing to do with the Inspector General of Police or his office,” he noted.
He added that the commission remains satisfied with the scope of its constitutional powers and has no intention of overstepping its legal mandate.
“The PSC maintains a close and complementary working relationship with the Inspector General of Police, all in the best interest of the Nigeria Police Force,” Ani concluded.
With this clarification, the PSC hopes to put an end to speculations surrounding Egbetokun’s tenure, reaffirming that his fate lies solely in the hands of the President.
