We can’t discipline IGP, PSC clarifies

By Chizoba Ogbeche Abuja–

Th e Police Service Commission yesterday blamed the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris for the perceived decay in the police force, accusing it of not implementing its directives.
While acknowledging that it has constitutional powers to appoint, promote and discipline police officers, the PSC however declared that such authority doesn’t cover the IGP.
Th e commission made the positions known in a statement by its Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani in Abuja.
Th e position came against the backdrop of a media report credited to Aisha Tosan, producer of a television show, Crime Fighter, over alleged involvement of the commission in the promotion scandal rocking the force.
Tosan reportedly accused the IG of promoting policemen close to him and equally alleged that the Okiro-led police service commission was compromising in the discharge of its duties.
Reacting to the criticism, Ani clarifi ed that the commission gave Idris the free hand to run the force and to deploy his offi cers based on the belief that he knows their operational competence .
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Th e commission in the statement, also denied being “a mere rubber stamp agency,” assuring that the service would continue to be guided by laid down rules and regulations in the areas of appointments, promotions and disciplinary matters.

“Th e commission however can do more with a Constitutional provision that allows it to protect its decisions.
It is also common knowledge that most times its decisions are not implemented by the IGP since constitutionally the commission cannot discipline the IGP,” Ani explained.
“Th e current commission will continue to work with Mr. President to give the nation the police force that will be the envy of every Nigerian,” Ani said.
Th e statement further advised that rather than embarking on witch-hunt mission, stakeholders and major actors should identify sources of the problems confronting the police with a view to tackling same.
On special promotions, the PSC also clarifi ed that it had given the IG guidelines that should govern his recommendations, stressing that all recommendations from him on the issue were put on hold pending his compliance with the guidelines.

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