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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.”
The 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
