8th October, 2017
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has withheld approval for the recent special promotions recommended by the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
A statement by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, Media, Press and Public Relations officer of PSC, disclosed that all recommendations to the Commission on special promotions by the IGP had been put on hold until he complies with the guidelines for special promotions in the force.
Idris, it was alleged, gave special promotions to his new wife, DSP Esther who was allegedly four months pregnant before the wedding.
The lawmaker representing Bauchi central, Isah Misau, who revealed this on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday accused Idris of impregnating a serving deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Esther, an act which he says contravenes the police act.
Misau added that the IGP was having affairs with two policewomen whom he gave special promotion.
“The IG is openly having two relationships with police women who he gave special promotion. One of them is Amina and one of them is DSP Esther which the IG on 15th of last month got married to that woman DSP. Under police act and regulation you cannot marry a serving woman police officer unless that woman retire,” Misau said.
“He quickly did a secret wedding in Kaduna because the lady is four months pregnant. I am saying this because of the institution – that institution I am supposed to be a stakeholder in that institution. It is the institution that brought me here which I’m proud of.”
Following these revelations, the PSC said it was withholding approval for recommendations for special promotions recently submitted by the IG.
Ani said that the commission had given the I-G guidelines that should be followed on special promotions.
“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.
Ani disclosed further that the commission has no power to discipline the Inspector-General of Police.
“It is also common knowledge that most times its decisions are not implemented by the I-G since constitutionally the Commission can not discipline him,” he said.
He assured that the commission would not compromise its constitutional mandate to appoint, promote and discipline Officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
“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.
Ani said 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 said that on postings of Command Commissioners of Police, the Commission naturally allows the I-G who works with these officers and who knows their operational capabilities to recommend to it.
He advised that in the current move to sanitise the Nigeria Police Force, efforts should not be wasted in unnecessary witch hunt.
“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.