IGP and PSC Under Scrutiny for Alleged Violation of Police Act in CP Deployments

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), are facing criticism for allegedly breaching the Police Act 2020 in the recent deployment of Commissioners of Police (CPs) to state commands across the country. Concerns have been raised over an alleged imbalance in the distribution of CPs, favoring certain regions at the expense of others, particularly the South East and South South.

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Alleged Violation of the Police Act 2020

According to the Police Act 2020, both the PSC and the IGP have the authority to assign CPs to state commands, but such deployments must adhere to the principle of Federal Character as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Relevant Provisions of the Law

Section 12(2) of Part IV of the Act states:

“The Police Service Commission shall, from among the Commissioners of Police appointed under subsection (1), assign Commissioners of Police to state commands and to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

Furthermore, Section 12(4) specifies:

“The Police Service Commission or the Inspector-General of Police, in assigning or deploying… Commissioners of Police under this section… shall reflect the principle of Federal Character as provided in the Constitution and under the relevant Act.”

The principle of Federal Character mandates that all geopolitical zones and states in the country should have equitable representation in national appointments, including the leadership of security agencies. By this standard, the South West and South South zones should each have six CPs, the South East should have five, and the North—with its 19 states—should have 19 CPs.

However, recent reports suggest that this balance has been ignored.

Disparity in CP Deployments

Findings by Daily Sun indicate a significant skew in the deployment pattern, allegedly favoring the North and South West over the South East and South South.

Currently, reports suggest that 10 CPs from the South West are heading state commands, including Rivers, Delta, Lagos, FCT, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, and Plateau. In contrast, only two CPs from the South South and one from the South East are in charge of state commands. The North, reportedly, has 23 CPs deployed across various states.

This uneven distribution has triggered discontent within the force, with critics arguing that it undermines the fairness outlined in the Police Act.

Concerns from Retired Senior Officers

Some retired senior police officers have expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged imbalance, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent.

A retired police officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the situation as a direct violation of the Police Act.

“Where each state does not produce a CP manning a state command at any given time, it is a violation of the Police Act,” he stated.

Similarly, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) pointed out that no CP from the South East has ever been posted to major states like Lagos or Kano, whereas CPs from the North and South West have frequently served in the South East.

He recalled an incident involving former IGP Mike Okiro, who had attempted to post Donald Iroham, a CP from Imo State, to Lagos, only for the assignment to be reversed mid-way, redirecting Iroham to Kwara State instead.

PSC Defends Deployment Decisions

In response to the allegations, PSC’s Public Relations Officer, Ikechukwu Ani, dismissed the claims, arguing that the deployment of CPs is a dynamic process and cannot always maintain regional balance at every given moment.

“The appointment and posting of Commissioners of Police is dynamic. There comes a time when it may favor a particular region,” Ani stated.

He further pointed out that the South East currently has two Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), more than any other region, and emphasized that CP postings are based on operational needs rather than regional distribution alone.

“The posting of CPs is not done by seniority. The IGP is the head of operations and knows who among the CPs can effectively manage each state,” Ani explained.

He also hinted that new postings would be announced soon, as several CPs are nearing retirement, suggesting that upcoming changes might address the concerns raised about regional representation.

“There is no marginalization… The IGP knows the capacity of every CP under him and posts them accordingly,” Ani maintained.

Implications for the Police Force and National Security

The controversy over CP postings highlights a broader issue of equity and fairness within the Nigerian security apparatus. If the allegations of regional favoritism hold true, they could erode trust in the police leadership and fuel perceptions of marginalization among officers from underrepresented zones.

The principle of Federal Character was established to ensure inclusivity in national appointments, particularly in sensitive institutions like the police force. Any deviation from this principle could heighten ethnic and regional tensions, potentially affecting morale within the force and public confidence in law enforcement.

Moreover, the ongoing debate underscores the need for greater transparency in police appointments and promotions. Ensuring that officers from all regions have fair opportunities to rise through the ranks and serve in leadership positions will be critical in maintaining national unity and security.

What Happens Next?

With the allegations now in the public domain, stakeholders—including political leaders, civil society organizations, and retired police officers—are likely to push for a review of the CP deployment process. If pressure mounts, the PSC and the IGP may be compelled to reassign CPs to achieve a more balanced distribution.

Additionally, the upcoming retirements mentioned by PSC’s spokesperson could provide an opportunity for a more equitable reshuffling of CPs across state commands.

Ultimately, how the police leadership addresses this issue will have significant implications for the institution’s credibility and the broader goal of ensuring fairness in Nigeria’s security sector.