The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has decried what it calls the ongoing illegality within the Police Service Commission (PSC) and issued a seven-working-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu to reconstitute the governing board of the commission in line with legal provisions or face legal action.

HURIWA expressed concern over the PSC?s operations under its current leadership, accusing the commission of violating its statutory framework by functioning with only three members?a chairman and two others. This, the group argued, falls short of the quorum mandated by Section 29(b) of the 1999 Constitution.

?According to the law, the PSC should have a governing board of no fewer than seven and no more than nine members, reflecting diverse representation from key sectors, including the judiciary, civil society, media, police, and private organizations. However, since the appointment of DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) as Chairman in June 2024, alongside Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd) as a member, the President has failed to appoint other members, leaving the commission in breach of its legal framework,? HURIWA said.

HURIWA pointed out that despite its incomplete structure, the PSC has made significant decisions, including promoting 11 Commissioners of Police to Assistant Inspectors General (AIG), 16 Deputy Commissioners to Commissioners, and several other senior police officers. The commission has also dismissed two Assistant Superintendents of Police for misconduct and taken disciplinary actions against others.

?These actions are legally questionable and lack legitimacy, as the current leadership operates without the required quorum. This undermines the integrity of the PSC and violates the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusion that the law seeks to uphold,? the group emphasized.

HURIWA further criticized the federal government?s delay in reconstituting the commission?s governing board, stating that the neglect jeopardizes the PSC?s vital oversight functions. The commission is responsible for disciplining officers, ensuring accountability, curbing police misconduct, and promoting professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.

?This is not a trivial matter. The PSC is central to ensuring the police operate with discipline, professionalism, and adherence to the rule of law. Leaving such an important institution in the hands of just three people is a gross dereliction of duty by the federal government,? HURIWA stated.

The group also highlighted the broader implications of the current illegality, warning that the absence of a fully constituted board could lead to arbitrary decisions, unmerited promotions, and an erosion of public trust in the commission.

?The PSC?s role in maintaining law and order is too critical to be left in its current state. A functioning and fully constituted commission is essential for ensuring accountability within the police force and addressing Nigeria?s significant security challenges,? the group added.

HURIWA revealed it has mobilized over 100 lawyers and civil society organizations to challenge the current situation in court if the government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe.

?This government must demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and good governance by reconstituting the PSC board without delay. Failure to do so will leave us no choice but to seek legal redress. The President?s inaction undermines the commission?s credibility and threatens national security by weakening oversight of the Nigeria Police Force,? HURIWA warned.

The group also underscored the need for transparency in managing the PSC, noting that an incomplete commission is a recipe for inefficiency and misconduct.

HURIWA concluded by urging Nigerians to hold the government accountable for ensuring the PSC operates in compliance with the law. ?The PSC is a cornerstone of our security framework. Neglecting its proper functioning is a threat to national stability, and the federal government must act now to restore its credibility,? the group said.

HURIWA?s ultimatum underscores the urgency of addressing the structural deficiencies within the PSC to uphold the rule of law and strengthen the nation?s security architecture.

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