By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission (PSC) has set Monday, August 29, 2022 as commencement date for an indefinite strike, citing breach of agreement, the union said in a notice issued to the commission’s management on Thursday.
The union also accused the country’s Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba of usurping the authorities of the Police Service Commission.
This notice comes as disagreement rages between workers of the commission, the Chairman of the commission, Mr Musiliu Smith, and the Inspector General of Police, on which body in entrusted with the constitutional responsibility to recruit, promote, and appoint constables and officers.
Chairman of the Joint Service Union, PSC chapter, Mr Adoyi Adoyi who spoke in Abuja on Thursday said the Inspector General of Police and other police chiefs in connivance with the chairman of the PSC, have overruled the constitutional duty of the PSC.
Adoyi added that the IGP has allegedly taken it upon himself to carry out the functions of the PSC in flagrant disregard of the Nigeria constitution, a verdict of the Appeal Court, and the authorities of the PSC.
Adoyi said, “We’re embarking on an indefinite strike from Monday, August 29, to show how discontent with the way the PSC is being run by the chairman of the commission, and the flagrant disregard for the constitution, the court of law, and the PSC by the IGP, Usman Baba.
“The duties of the PSC are spelt out in the constitution, but the IGP has disregarded all of that, and has taken over the duties of the commission. He appoints and promotes at will as opposed to what is stated in the constitution.
“According to the constitution, the appointment, promotion, and recruitment of police officers and constables are the prerogative of the PSC, not the IGP.”
