CISLAC Calls for Urgent Legislative Intervention Over Police Leadership Crisis

By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna 

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concerns over the ongoing institutional crisis between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). This crisis, according to CISLAC, threatens the rule of law, undermines accountability, and erodes public trust in Nigeria's governance and security institutions.

Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC, emphasized the statutory authority of the PSC under Sections 6 and 7 of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001. "The PSC is mandated to appoint, promote, dismiss, and exercise disciplinary control over Nigeria Police Force personnel, excluding the Inspector General of Police," Rafsanjani said.

Rafsanjani further noted that the Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii) mandates the compulsory retirement of public officers, including senior police officers, who have served for 35 years or reached the age of 60. "This regulation is designed to uphold the integrity and efficiency of security institutions by enabling leadership renewal and preventing tenure manipulation," he explained.

CISLAC strongly condemned the recent directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), instructing senior officers who have attained the mandatory retirement threshold to remain in service pending further directives. Rafsanjani described this action as "a clear violation of the PSC's statutory authority, undermining the principle of separation of powers, and fostering unnecessary institutional conflicts."

The organization also criticized the amendment to the 2020 Police Act, which grants the IGP a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age or service years. "This amendment contradicts existing public service regulations and was hastily passed without a clear constitutional or legal framework to resolve tenure disputes," Rafsanjani stated.

Rafsanjani drew a historical parallel, likening the current situation to past political maneuvers. "This situation echoes past political attempts, such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo's unsuccessful third-term bid, which the National Assembly rightly rejected in defense of democratic principles," he said.

CISLAC insisted that the Inspector General of Police must respect the PSC's constitutional authority and ensure the prompt retirement of officers who have reached the statutory age or service limit. The organization also called on the National Assembly to amend the Police Act to clarify tenure limitations and prevent conflicts with existing service regulations.

Rafsanjani urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and uphold adherence to existing laws, preventing the politicization of Nigeria's security institutions. He also called on the Judiciary to provide legal clarity on the extent of the IGP's tenure under the amended Police Act, ensuring compliance with public service regulations.

"CISLAC remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting transparent governance, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the independence of oversight institutions in Nigeria," the statement concluded.