Police commission explains why it has not disciplined the Inspector-General

The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it does not have power to discipline the erring Inspector-General of Police.

A statement by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, Media, Press and Public Relations officer of PSC, said that the commission would not compromise its constitutional mandate to appoint, promote and discipline Officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Statement:

“It is common knowledge that the constitution which gave the commission the powers to appoint, promote and discipline also did not extend the powers to discipline an IGP who refuses to implement decisions on these powers.

“The commission under the present leadership of Sir, Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro, a retired IGP, is not a mere rubber stamp agency. It carries out its duties diligently and in accordance with set out guidelines. It also in the discharge of this duties, takes the IGP into consideration as the operational head of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The 1999 Constitution, part 111, (supplemental) (b), 215 (2) states; The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the inspector-general of police.

“On postings of Command CPs, the Commission naturally allows the IGP who works with these officers and who knows their operational capabilities to recommend to it.

“And on special promotions, the commission has given the IGP guidelines that should govern his recommendations. Meanwhile, all recommendations to the commission on this issue has (have) been put on hold until he complies with these guidelines.

“The commission however can do more with a constitutional provision that allows it 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.”