The Police Service Commission (PSC) ha0 reiterated that it has no constitutional authority to appoint or remove the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, amid growing speculations over his elongated tenure.
In a statement released on Monday, PSC spokespersonm Ikechukwu Ani, emphasised that the commission’s directive regarding the retirement of senior officers does not affect the IGP, as his appointment was strictly a presidential decision based on the advice of the Council.
“The commission does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police,” Ani stated.
The clarification came in response to concerns raised after the PSC directed officers who have either turned 60 or completed 35 years of service to proceed on immediate retirement from the Police Force. Given that Egbetokun turned 60 last year, speculation mounted over whether the directive applied to him or not.
However, Ani dismissed such assumptions, making it clear that the PSC’s recent decision applies only to officers within its jurisdiction.
“The law is clear on this matter,” he said. “The Inspector-General of Police is appointed by the President, and his removal follows due process as outlined by the constitution.”
He further explained that the PSC’s recent meeting focused on the regularisation of appointment dates for Cadet ASPs and Inspector Force entrants, which has no bearing on the office of the IGP.
“The commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th management board on Friday, January 31, 2025, only considered and made a decision on the regularisation of the date of first appointment of CADET ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants. This has nothing to do with the Inspector-General of Police or his office,” Ani clarified.
Stressing the PSC’s commitment to its constitutional duties, Ani affirmed that the commission is content with its current powers and is not seeking additional authority beyond what the law provides.
“The commission wishes to state that it is comfortable with the size of the powers bestowed upon it by the constitution and is not interested in seeking additional powers that are not backed by law,” he stated.
Despite recent controversies, Ani reaffirmed that the PSC maintains a strong and complementary working relationship with the IGP in the overall interest of the Nigeria Police Force.
