The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised concerns over the ongoing institutional crisis between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), warning that it undermines the rule of law, weakens accountability, and erodes public trust in security institutions.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), reaffirmed the PSC’s statutory authority under Sections 6 and 7 of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001. He stated that the PSC is mandated to appoint, promote, dismiss, and discipline police personnel, excluding the Inspector General of Police (IGP). He also referenced Paragraph 30 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which grants the PSC oversight on police appointments and discipline.
Rafsanjani cited Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates the retirement of public officers, including senior police officers, after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60. He said these regulations ensure leadership renewal and prevent tenure manipulation.
CISLAC criticized an alleged directive from the Inspector General of Police instructing senior officers who have reached the retirement threshold to remain in service. “This directive is a clear violation of the PSC’s authority, undermines the separation of powers, and fuels unnecessary conflicts,” Rafsanjani said.
He also condemned the 2020 amendment to the Police Act, which grants the IGP a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age or service years. “This amendment contradicts public service regulations and was enacted without a clear legal framework for resolving tenure disputes. It has led to arbitrary extensions of office tenure for selected officers,” he said.
Drawing historical parallels, he compared the situation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s unsuccessful third-term bid, which the National Assembly rejected. “Legislative processes should safeguard national stability and the rule of law, rather than serve individual interests,” he said.
CISLAC called on the IGP to respect the PSC’s mandate and ensure the immediate retirement of officers who have reached the statutory age or service limit. It also urged the National Assembly to amend the Police Act to clarify tenure limits and prevent conflicts with public service regulations.
CISLAC asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to ensure adherence to existing laws and prevent the politicization of security institutions. It also called on the Judiciary to provide legal clarity on the IGP’s tenure under the amended Police Act.
“Democracy thrives on the rule of law, transparency, and accountability—principles that must remain non-negotiable,” Rafsanjani said. He warned that allowing tenure manipulation and institutional conflicts to persist would weaken Nigeria’s security agencies and promote impunity.
CISLAC urged civil society, the media, and the public to remain vigilant against any abuse of legislative and executive power that threatens institutional integrity.
“CISLAC remains committed to promoting transparent governance, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the independence of oversight institutions in Nigeria,” the statement added.