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 the situation threatens the rule of law, undermines accountability, and erodes public trust in the country’s governance and security institutions.
In a statement, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), reaffirmed the statutory authority of the PSC under Sections 6 and 7 of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001. He explained that the commission is mandated to appoint, promote, dismiss, and exercise disciplinary control over police personnel, excluding the Inspector General of Police (IGP). This mandate, he noted, is further reinforced by the 1999 Constitution.
Rafsanjani highlighted Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates the compulsory retirement of public officers, including senior police officers, after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60. He stressed that this rule ensures leadership renewal and prevents tenure manipulation.
CISLAC strongly criticized a recent directive by the IGP instructing senior officers who have reached the retirement threshold to remain in service pending further notice. Rafsanjani described this as a violation of the PSC’s statutory authority, warning that it undermines the principle of separation of powers and fosters unnecessary institutional conflicts.
He also condemned the amendment to the 2020 Police Act, which grants the IGP a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age or service years. According to him, this amendment contradicts public service regulations and was hastily passed without a clear constitutional framework, leading to arbitrary tenure extensions for selected officers.
Drawing historical parallels, Rafsanjani likened the situation to past political maneuvers, such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s failed third-term bid. He emphasized that legislative processes should defend democratic principles rather than serve individual interests.
CISLAC urged the IGP to respect the PSC’s constitutional authority and ensure the prompt retirement of officers who have reached the statutory service limit. The organization also called on the National Assembly to amend the Police Act to clarify tenure limitations and prevent future conflicts with public service regulations.
Furthermore, the group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in upholding existing laws and preventing the politicization of Nigeria’s security institutions. It also urged the Judiciary to provide legal clarity on the IGP’s tenure under the amended Police Act.
CISLAC reiterated that democracy thrives on the rule of law, transparency, and accountability—principles that must remain non-negotiable. The organization warned that allowing tenure manipulation and institutional conflicts to persist would weaken Nigeria’s security agencies and promote impunity in governance.
The advocacy group urged all stakeholders, including civil society, the media, and the public, to unite against any abuse of legislative and executive powers that threaten institutional integrity. It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparent governance, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the independence of oversight institutions in Nigeria.