PSC, police set up committee to resolve ‘likely friction’ in operations

Solomon Arase, chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), says a joint committee has been constituted to examine areas of operational friction with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

A statement by Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson, said the joint committee was set up after the heads of the two federal agencies met on Thursday.

Ani said Olukayode Egbetokun, acting inspector-general of police, visited Arase to discuss issues that will enhance the security sub-sector of the nation.

During the meeting, the agencies also resolved to constitute a recruitment board that will involve all strategic stakeholders in prospective recruitment processes.

“The commission and the police also pledged that the welfare of police officers will be paramount henceforth,” the statement reads.

“The two leaders also decided to jointly work together to ensure that issues of discipline are handled expeditiously so that those found wanting are adequately punished and others not found wanting are freed to continue with their career progression.

“They also agreed to ensure that police promotions are prompt and based on merit, seniority and availability of vacancy.”

He added that the PSC chairman assured the police of continuous collaboration for effectiveness of the NPF.

Over the years, there have been issues between the PSC and NPF over recruitment exercises of constables and cadets.

In August 2022, the NPF dismissed a recruitment advertisement posted by PSC which went viral on social media.

But Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the NPF had no connection with the advert.

Part one of the third schedule in the 1999 constitution states: “The commission shall have power to — a. appoint persons to offices (other than office of the Inspector-general of Police) in the Nigeria Police Force”.

While section 18(1) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 states: “The responsibility for the recruitment of recruit constables into the Nigeria Police Force and recruit cadets into the Nigeria Police Academy shall be the duty of the Inspector-general of police”.

In September 2022, the PSC had said the commission will engage the NPF and the ministry of police affairs on the constitutional mandate of the commission.