The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, issued an order countering the recent directive of the Police Service Commission (PSC) to officers who have attained 35 years in service or 60 years of age to proceed on retirement. This order has drawn the ire of senior retired officers, who have resisted it.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the commission said that the IGP’s comment regarding further directives does not mean that he rejected the commission’s decision.
The PSC recently directed officers who have attained 35 years in service or 60 years of age, to proceed on retirement from the force immediately.
However, a wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary, dated February 5, 2025, it read, “INGENPOL strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further directive. This directive should be strictly complied with.”
Recall that last week, PSC’s spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani said the commission’s order followed a review of its earlier stance at the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, allowing force entrants to use their date of enlistment instead of their initial appointment date.
The commission cited the inconsistency with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon spending 35 years in service or reaching 60 years of age, as a reason for its decision.
The PSC, however, clarified that it lacks the constitutional authority to determine whether the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, should be appointed or retired.
Reacting to the IGP’s order, some retired police officers, including Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspector Generals of Police (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs), insisted that the PSC directive is following civil service procedures.
Meanwhile, some officers affected by the PSC directive dragged the commission to court.
