The Police Service Commission (PSC) has called out the Police personnel responsible for screening recruits, stating they should be held accountable if unqualified individuals, such as those with hearing impairments or suicidal tendencies, are enlisted into the force.
This declaration follows the recent recruitment exercise of 10,000 constables, where the physical and medical screenings of shortlisted candidates were conducted by Police personnel.
The PSC has challenged the Police to provide verifiable evidence to support allegations against the Commission, describing these accusations as an attempt to undermine its integrity.
In a press statement titled “2022 Police Constable Recruitment: Our Position – PSC” released by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, the Commission refuted claims of recruiting unsuitable candidates.
“The assertion of recruiting persons who will commit suicide and who are deaf and dumb is uncharitable and preposterous,” the statement read.
Allegations and Counterclaims
The PSC expressed its dismay at the ongoing situation, noting that the Inspector General of Police’s confidential letter alleging recruitment lapses was leaked to the media, violating Public Service Rules.
The Commission highlighted its constitutional mandate and past challenges in performing its duties, especially since 2019, when a former Inspector General of Police allegedly hijacked a recruitment exercise.
“The Commission has at every turn suffered several indignities in its attempt to perform functions provided to it by the Constitution even after the Supreme Court decided the matter in its favour,” the statement emphasized.
The PSC accused the Police of using brute force, intimidation, and media campaigns to undermine its authority.
“This show of brute force and intimidation by the Police and most recently inducements of hired writers to run down the Commission in the Media is a serious affront on the mandate of the Commission.”
Supreme Court Judgment and Recruitment Authority
The PSC referred to the Supreme Court judgment on July 11, 2023, which reinforced its exclusive statutory authority in the recruitment of constables.
The judgment affirmed the Commission’s role and nullified any attempts by the Police to independently recruit officers.
“The Supreme Court Judgment delivered on 11th July 2023 in the case of NPF & Ors v Police Service Commission & Anor (2023) – LPELR-60782(SC) reinforces the Commission’s ‘exclusive’ statutory authority in the recruitment of Constables,” the PSC stated.
Demand for Evidence and Accountability
The Commission demanded that the Police provide verifiable evidence to substantiate their claims.
It insisted that the recruitment process was conducted with due process and called for a forensic audit of the successful candidates’ list using the JAMB computer-based test results.
“It is important to state that due process was meticulously followed throughout the exercise, and the Commission wishes to assert its prerogative to exercise full control over recruitments into the Nigeria Police Force.”
The PSC also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the Police respect the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
“The Nigeria Police Force is created to enforce the law and not to circumvent it in whatever guise,” the statement added.
