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We Won’t Extend Tenure Of Retiring Police Officers, PSC Insists …As Buhari Asks Senate To Confirm Arase As Chairman
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has said it would not extend the tenure of the retiring senior police officers in the country.
The PSC stressed that even when requested, it would not do so, saying it was against all existing laws, Police Act, Police Service Commission Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The commission made this known after its management meeting, last Monday, noting that the ongoing calls for the extension of the tenures of some Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIG’s), commissioners, and other senior police officers were unnecessary distraction and an affront on all the existing laws guiding entry and exit in the country’s public service.
According to a statement issued, yesterday, by the PSC spokesperson, IkechukwuAni, the commission noted that the police have capable men and women who should be encouraged to step into the vacancies that would be created by the exiting officers.
It further assured Nigerians that there is an institutional succession plan in the Nigeria Police Force, especially with the current injection of 10,000 Constables and other thousands of cadet ASPs from the Police Academy every year.
The commission also assured Nigerians that there would be no vacuum in the hierarchy of the police with the touted retirement of hundreds of senior police officers.
The PSC added that it would continue to uphold the provisions of the law which stipulates that “a serving public officer, whether in the police or in any other government agency, must exit the service at the age of 60 or having served for a period of 35 years.”
The commission said it would not encourage the subversion of the laws guiding entry and exit into the Nigeria Public Service, adding that the retiring senior police officers are not indispensable and that their exit would not in any way or manner affect the success of the 2023 general election.
“The retiring senior police officers are not indispensable and their exit will not in any way or manner affect the success of the 2023 general election,” he added.
“The Nigeria Police have capable men and women who should be encouraged to step into the vacancies that will be created by the exiting officers.
“There is an institutional succession plan in the Nigeria Police with the current injection of 10,000 Constables and several other thousands of cadet ASPs from the Police Academy annually,” he said.
Ani said the clarification followed conversations in the media on whether the tenure of retiring senior officers would be elongated on ground of security ahead of the 2023 general election.
“The commission has watched with keen interest the conversation in the media on whether retiring senior police officers’ tenure should be elongated or not because of its effect on the 2023 election security,” he said.
He said the ongoing campaign for the extension of the tenures of some Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and other senior police officers were unnecessary distractions.
Ani said the discussions were an affront on all the existing laws in the country guiding entry and exit in the public service.
He pledged the commitment of the commission to ensure that no vacuum was created in the hierarchy of the police with the touted retirement of hundreds of senior police officers.
Ani said the commission had taken a decision to rigidly uphold the provisions of the law.
He said the law had stipulated that a serving public officer, whether in the police or in any other government agency, must exit the service at the age of 60 or having served for a period of 35 years.
“The commission will not encourage the subversion of the laws guiding entry and exit into the Nigeria Public Service.
“The retiring senior police officers are not indispensable and their exit will not in any way or manner affect the success of the 2023 general election,” he added.
Meanwhile, President MuhammaduBuhari has asked the senate to confirm former Inspector-General (I-G) of Police Solomon Arase (rtd), as the chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC).
Another ex-IG, Musiliu Smith has resigned in controversial circumstances as the chairman of the commission late last year.
A former justice of the Supreme Court,Clara Ogunbiyi, has since then taken over as the acting chairman of PSC.
However, in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, and read during plenary, yesterday, titled, “Confirmation of Appointment of Chairman of Police Service Commission,” Buhari asked the upper chamber to confirm Arase as the substantive chairman for the position.
The letter reads: “In accordance with the provision of Section 154(1) of 1999. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I write to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Solomon Arase (rtd) Inspector-General of Police, as Chairman, Police Service Commission.
“It is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the appointment in the usual expeditious manner.”
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene