By Dansu Peter In a decisive move, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers ...
By Dansu Peter
The development comes amid controversy over Egbetokun’s tenure, as critics question his continued stay in office after clocking 60. Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has been vocal on the issue, branding the police chief an "illegal IG" and insisting that his tenure violates retirement regulations. In response, Egbetokun has sued Sowore for defamation.
Despite the growing debate, the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation have maintained that Egbetokun’s tenure remains lawful. However, the PSC’s latest directive could force a shift in that position.
In a statement on Friday, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani announced that the commission, during its first extraordinary meeting of the year, upheld the long-standing Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon reaching either 35 years in service or the age of 60.
“The Commission has revisited its 2017 decision regarding Force entrants and concluded that it contradicts the principle of merger of service in the public sector,” the statement read.
Chaired by retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argungu, the meeting also had in attendance retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, Honorable Commissioner DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd.), and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
The decision has now been communicated to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation, raising fresh uncertainty over Egbetokun’s future in office.
No comments