The Police Service Commission (PSC), on Tuesday, abolished special promotions for the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with immediate effect.
The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, announced this in Abuja while receiving a delegation of members of the executive of the association of retired police officers of Nigeria
This was contained in a statement made available to news men in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Commission, Mr Ikechukwu Ani.
According to the statement, the Chairman who received the delegation in company of DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, Honourable Commissioner in the Commission declared that the Commission would no longer be a rubber stamp for the irregular means of promotion in the Nigeria Police Force.
“He declared that merit based on passing of prescribed examination and other basic requirements will now count on the promotion of Officers and Men of the Nigeria Police Force.”
He pointed out that that there was nothing like special promotion anywhere around the world and stressed that the Commission under his watch would encourage it.
According to the statement, the Chairman said that the law however allowed for accelerated promotion for Officers who have shown uncommon dexterity in the discharge of their duties, noting that this would be done with care so as not to abuse it.
He said, “Promotion will now be on merit and there will be written examination and interview, seniority is now irrelevant in modern day policing since any officer who fails promotion examination will remain on the same rank and if he fails three times, he will be retired at that level for incompetence.”
It added that Argungu insisted that the Commission would no longer promote officers ” who can not pass prescribed written examinations” and solicited for the support of retired police officers adding that their experience while in service would be valuable in the new direction.”
He said he was proud of the Nigeria Police Force which he served and retired as a Deputy Inspector General and would not at any point disappoint the Force.
According to him, “A Policeman is like Ceasers’ wife and should be above suspicion, it is country first. If I die and have to come back, I will still want to be a Policeman. Police is jack of all trade and master of all, I will not fail that institution and I will also not fail the PSC, I will do my best not to put the two institutions to shame.”
It added that the Chairman of the Association, AIG Paul Ochonu (rtd) had earlier told the PSC Chairman that they came to extend their hand of fellowship to the Commission and pledged their unalloyed loyalty to the leadership of the Commission.
He said the association had rejoiced when both the National Security Adviser and Chairman of the PSC were all Policemen stressing that they had hoped they would have forged a united working platform with the Inspector General of Police.
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