The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it will not extend the tenure of the retiring senior police officers in the country.

The PSC stressed that even when requested, it would not do so, saying it is against all existing laws, Police Act, Police Service Commission Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The commission made this known after its management meeting on Monday, noting that the ongoing calls for the extension of the tenures of some Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIG’s), Commissioners, and other senior police officers were unnecessary distraction and an affront on all the existing laws guiding entry and exit in the country’s public service.

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According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, the commission noted that the police have capable men and women who should be encouraged to step into the vacancies that would be created by the exiting officers.

It further assured Nigerians that there is an institutional succession plan in the Nigeria Police Force, especially with the current injection of 10,000 Constables and other thousands of cadet ASPs from the Police Academy every year.

The commission also assured Nigerians that there will be no vacuum in the hierarchy of the police with the touted retirement of hundreds of senior police officers.

The PSC added that it would continue to uphold the provisions of the law which stipulates that “a serving public officer, whether in the police or in any other government agency, must exit the service at the age of 60 or having served for a period of 35 years.”

The commission said it would not encourage the subversion of the laws guiding entry and exit into the Nigeria Public Service, adding that the retiring senior police officers are not indispensable and that their exit would not in any way or manner affect the success of the 2023 general election.

The Star