Police Service Commission: IGP Idris Is Culpable But Above Our Powers

The Police Service Commission [PSC] has admitted that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris is culpable in some allegations levelled against him by concerned Nigerians.

One of such allegation was that by fired by the Senator representing Bauchi Central Constituency of Bauchi State, Senator Isa Misau.

The Senator on the Senate floor, accused Mr. Idris of corruption to the tune of 120 billion Naira, impropriety and sexual misconduct, saying he impregnated and secretly married his junior officer.

In a bizarre turn of events, however, the Police Commission said that allegations notwithstanding, it has no power to punish him.

PSC said this in a statement by its Media, Press and Public Relations Officer, Mr Ikechukwu Ani.

Mr Ani said: “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,” he said.

He stated that the constitution which gave the commission the powers to appoint, promote and discipline also did not extend the powers to discipline an I-G.

“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 111, (supplemental) (b), 215 (2) states; The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector -General of Police,” he said.

He also said that the Commission naturally allows the IGP, who works with officers and who knows their operational capabilities to recommend on postings of Command Commissioners of Police.

He continued: “Meanwhile, all recommendations to the Commission on this issue has 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 said.

“The current Commission will continue to work with Mr President to give the nation the police force that will be the envy of every Nigerian.

“Appointments, promotions and disciplinary matters will continue to be guided by laid down rules and regulations,” he said.

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