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
PSC Orders Retirement for Senior Police Officers Over 60
The Police Service Commission (PSC) announced on Friday that all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years of service or are over the age of 60 must proceed on retirement immediately.
Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesman for the PSC, shared this information in Abuja. He explained that this decision was necessary to align with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii).
Ani noted that the commission has reviewed its previous position regarding the enlistment dates of officers. Previously, at the 24th plenary meeting held in September 2017, it was allowed for police officers to use their date of enlistment rather than their initial appointment date. However, the PSC has now reversed this decision, citing its inconsistency with the Public Service Rule which mandates retirement upon reaching either 35 years of service or the age of 60.
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.
“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.
However, this directive is coming amidst reported fresh controversy within the force over the tenure extension handed over to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun after he clocked 60 years.
Recall that, the Force Headquarters and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi had earlier maintained that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is lawful and legal. Read More
