The crisis within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deepened as several senior officers who have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 or completed 35 years of service refuse to step down, despite a directive from the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Investigations over the weekend revealed that the affected officers are challenging the PSC’s directive in the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. They argue that their forced retirement is unfair, particularly since Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure was extended.
Speaking anonymously, one officer stated, “Officers have always retired from the police force, and ours would be no different. However, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Some may argue that the IGP’s position is political, but we are all in service.”
Although their lawsuit does not directly challenge the IGP’s extended tenure, it seeks to overturn the PSC’s order forcing them to retire. Earlier this month, the PSC ordered the immediate retirement of all senior officers who had exceeded 35 years in service or turned 60.
The directive was based on Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), according to PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani. However, in response, the police headquarters countered the order with a wireless message on February 5, instructing affected officers to remain in service until further notice.
To address the standoff, the police high command has set up a disciplinary committee to compile the names of the affected officers and submit them to the PSC for further action. The committee, convened at Force Headquarters in Abuja, has already summoned top-ranking officers, including an Assistant Inspector-General, two Commissioners of Police, and a senior legal officer.
“The committee has officially invited the affected officers, and they are expected to appear in full uniform,” a source disclosed. The panel is expected to conclude its deliberations by Thursday.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has adjourned the case to March 18. The claimants, including Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Egong Egwu Egong and CSP Edwin Okoro, argue that the PSC wrongly determined their years of service based on their police force entry date rather than their admission date into the Police Academy.
Their legal counsel, Adeleke Agbola (SAN), urged the court to maintain the status quo until a ruling is made on whether the PSC’s directive violates a previous judgment regarding service years. Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Wilson Inalegwu has urged the affected officers to step down gracefully, emphasizing that the PSC has constitutional authority over police appointments, promotions, and retirements up to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General.
He also clarified that the IGP’s position is a political appointment made at the President’s discretion and should not be compared to other ranks.
“The President has the power to appoint the IGP, not the other officers. Those agitating to stay in the force after 60 years should just go home honorably,” Inalegwu stated.
