The Police Service Commission (PSC) has said that the commission is guided by the existing seniority policy in the Force in approving the recent promotions and postings of senior police officers.

Mr Mike Okiro, Chairman of the commission, made the clarification at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

“The seniority list in the Nigeria Police Force which guided the commission’s decision in the matter is incontrovertible fact that informed the following promotions in its entirety.

“The PSC under my watch is very meticulous in dealing with such matters and would not be party to anything that would undermine the great efforts put in place to enthrone discipline and efficiency in the Police.”

He decried media reports on the alleged lopsidedness in the recent promotions and postings of senior police officers.

“I wish to inform you that there is nothing farther from the truth therein.”

The chairman said that the office of the Inspector-General of Police makes recommendation, while the commission approves based on operational competence and vacancy.

“It is a fact that all those recommended by the I-G were successful, after the commission satisfied itself that they conformed with the seniority order.

“As it is, it has become necessary not just to debunk the falsehood but to as well graphically clear any misgivings of any deliberate slant in the exercise.”

He said that the 20 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) promoted to the rank of ACPs were elevated strictly based on seniority order.

Okiro said that the commission was aware of some mischief makers’ ploys to cause unnecessary tension and bad blood in the Police Force.

“The Nigeria Police Force deserves the support and cooperation of all Nigerians to serve our citizens better.

“In the same vein, all the four acting Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) were confirmed as substantive Assistant Commissioners of Police.”

He said that a policy on the postponed screening of officers with degree and HND certificates would soon be made public.

Okiro said that contrary to media reports, the exercise was not contracted to any consultant.

“In the course of our deliberations, I advised that the exercise be put on hold.”

It would be recalled that 13,682 policemen who had obtained higher qualifications were scheduled to be screened for promotion by the force.

He said that the commission and the Force Headquarters were working to ensure that the matter was handled amicably.

The chairman said that the commission had established zonal offices for effective service delivery.

“The setting up of the zonal offices will greatly impact on the commission’s service delivery.” (NAN)

•Photo shows PSC Chairman Okiro.

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