PSC WARNS IGP AGAINST DELAY IN POLICE DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

The Police Service Commission, today, November 27^th, 2014, handed over the Instrument of Delegation of Powers to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sulieman Abbah with a demand that he must give account of the exercise of these powers.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro who handed over a copy of the document to the IGP said the Commission has continued to delegate some of its powers to the Inspector General of Police because of the large size of the Nigeria Police Force.

Dr. Okiro said the renewed instrument packaged in a handbook now demands on the IGP a return on Police recruitment of Constables within three months of completion of the exercise. He also announced that returns on Police promotion from the rank of Constable to Inspector covered by the Instrument, must be made to the Commission within three months.

He noted that delayed promotions due to pending disciplinary matters must be treated and completed within ninety (90) days.

Dr. Okiro said the Instrument of Delegation of Powers is expected to guide the IGP in the exercise of the delegated powers.

The Commission, a Federal Executive Body, is constitutionally mandated to appoint, promote and discipline Members of the Nigeria Police Force except the IGP.

The Instrument of Delegation empowers the IGP to exercise on behalf of the Commission powers of appointment of police Constables, promotion of Policemen from the rank of Constable to Inspector and discipline of the same category of Officers.

Receiving the Instrument, the IGP who led the management team of the Nigeria Police Force to the ceremony said he was glad to witness and to be part of the continuous efforts of the Commission in transforming the management and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

Mr. Abbah said the ceremony was important since it is meant to improve standard, motivate Officers and Men and properly define their activities. He commended the PSC for delegating some of its powers to the Nigeria Police Force adding that the manner these powers are exercised can make or mar the Force.

He promised that the Police will respect the instrument without abuse, and that it will instill confidence on the Officers. He assured that the Nigeria Police Force under him will continue to be accountable to the Commission.