We have no power to discipline the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has said.
It said although it had the power to appoint, promote and discipline officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the law did not extend the powers to discipline an I-G.
The commission made this known in a statement by the Media, Press and Public Relations Officer of PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani.
According to Ani, the Police Service Commission would, however, not compromise its constitutional mandate to appoint, promote and discipline Officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
His words: “The Commission also wishes to state that its powers to do this does not cover the office of the Inspector General of Police.
“The Powers of the Commission are stated in paragraph 30, Part 1 of the third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution…
“The Commission under the leadership of Mike Okiro, is not a mere rubber stamp Agency.
“It carries out its duties diligently and in accordance with set out guidelines.
“It also in the discharge of this duties, takes the I-G into consideration as the operational head of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The 1999 Constitution, part III, (supplemental) (b), 215 (2) states; The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector -General of Police,” he said.
Ani said on postings of Command Commissioners of Police, the commission allowed the I-G to recommend to it because he worked with them and knew their capabilities.
According to him, guidelines were given to the I-G on special promotions
He explained further: “Meanwhile, all recommendations to the Commission on this issue have been put on hold until he complies with these guidelines.
“The Commission however can do more with a Constitutional provision that allows it protect its decisions.
“It is also common knowledge that most times its decisions are not implemented by the I-G since constitutionally the Commission cannot discipline him.”
He also stressed that the commission would work hand in hand with President Muhammadu Buhari to carry out the sanitisation of the Nigeria Police Force.
