PSC Appeals to Tinubu to Resolve Recruitment Issue

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene with the Nigeria Police Force to allow successful candidates in the recent recruitment of Constables to proceed with their training without further delay.The PSC emphasized that the recruitment process adhered to due process.

In a statement released in Abuja by Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s Spokesperson, amidst an ongoing dispute between the Commission and the Police over the recruitment, the Commission expressed concern over what it perceives as deliberate efforts by the Police to retain control over the recruitment process despite a Supreme Court judgment.

The statement highlighted that the Commission believes the Police are attempting to retain control of the recruitment process despite the Supreme Court’s ruling. The Commission appealed to the President to uphold its constitutional mandate to oversee recruitment.

The Commission condemned what it described as the Police’s use of force and intimidation, including attempts to undermine the Commission through media campaigns. It also criticized the release of a confidential letter from the Inspector General of Police to the Commission Chairman to the media, calling it a violation of public service rules.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to following due process in the recruitment exercise, stating that it had diligently followed procedures and that the list of successful candidates should be subjected to a forensic audit using the JAMB computer-based test results.

The statement referenced a Supreme Court judgment in July 2023, which upheld the Commission’s exclusive authority in the recruitment of Constables and enjoined the Police from interfering in such matters.

The Commission expressed concern over the Police’s alleged recruitment of unsuitable candidates, attributing the force’s current challenges partly to these recruits. It also refuted claims by the Police that it had recruited individuals with disabilities or suicidal tendencies, placing responsibility on Police personnel who conducted the screenings.

In conclusion, the Commission reiterated its call for the Police to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling and allow the Commission to carry out its constitutional duties without interference.