The Police Service Commission(PSC), has admitted that it does not have the authority to discipline the Inspector-General of Police, Idris Kpotun Ibrahim, who has found himself in a huge scandal after a series of allegations were made against him by the senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Hamman Misau.
Senator Hamman, had revealed to the Senate, that the Inspector General of Police, was involved in corrupt practices in the force, alleging that officers were posted to oil and other multinational companies for a fee.
The lawmaker also faulted the manner which promotion of officers was being handled by the current IGP of Police, adding that officer pay as much as N500,000 to get promoted.
Misau sought the intervention of the Senate to look into the situation, where single powerful individuals were also given close to 30 escorts by Ibrahim Idris for Protection.
He also added that Idris was involved in an extramarital affair with two police officers but eventually wedded one of the ladies after he impregnated her.
In reaction to the claims by Senator Hamman, and the call for disciplinary actions, the Spokesman of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, made it clear that the commission under the leadership of Mike Okiro, is not a “mere rubber stamp agency. ”
He said the commission carries out its duties diligently and in accordance with set out guidelines.
“It is common knowledge that the constitution which gave the commission the powers to appoint, promote and discipline also did not extend the powers to discipline an IGP who refuses to implement decisions on these powers.
“The commission under the present leadership of Sir, Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro, a retired IGP, 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 these duties, takes the IGP 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.
“On postings of Command CPs, the Commission naturally allows the IGP who works with these officers and who knows their operational capabilities to recommend to it.
“And on special promotions, the commission has given the IGP guidelines that should govern his recommendations. Meanwhile, all recommendations to the commission on this issue have 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. It is also common knowledge that most times its decisions are not implemented by the IGP since constitutionally the commission cannot discipline the IGP.”