The Police Service Commission held its statutory meeting from 12th~13th May, 2008 in Abuja following its inauguration on 15th April, 2008. The Commission deliberated on issues bordering on its mandate of appointment, promotion, and discipline of all police officers in Nigeria, except the Inspector General of Police, as well as formulating and implementing policies aimed at enhancing the efficiency and discipline of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission Reaffirmed its commitment to:

i. Uphold the rule of law and follow due process, justice, and equity in all its dealings and deliberations in line with the seven point agenda of the Yar'Adua administration.

ii. Ensure that the conduct of police operations respect and protect the rights of citizens.

iii. Promote integrity and merit in the Nigeria Police Force by ensuring that appointment and promotion are based on seniority, merit, and equity, and that appointment, promotion, and disciplinary processes are clearly defined, fair and transparent.

iv. Work with, and assist the Inspector General of Police to maintain discipline and high ethical standards within the Nigeria Police Force

At the end of the meeting, the Commission resolved as follows:

I. To obey all court judgements and decisions affecting the Commission. Any Person with any valid court order should contact the Commission.

II. The Commission will embark on promotion exercise to fill existing vacancies. Promotion will henceforth be done as at when due.

III. Set up a committee to revisit the promotion of 134 officers, before the inauguration of the present members of the Police Service Commission.

IV. The IGP should forward the list of the recommended candidates for appointment as Cadet Inspectors and Cadet ASP's so that the recruitment exercise can be concluded by the Commission and training commenced immediately.

V. Set up a committee to plan for a strategy and mission for the Commission for the next five years.

VI. Set up a mechanism for the public to give complaints on any misconduct of police officers and have ways of redness.

VII. All disciplinary matters will be dealt with expeditiously.

VIII. Set up a mechanism to reposition the Commission to carry out its mandate.

IX. Reconsider the mass retirement ten thousand police officers done recently.

Conclusion

The Commission is conscious of the enormous responsibility and mandate that the constitution and the Police Service Commission Act 2001 have entrusted to it. The Commission, therefore, calls on all Nigerians for co-operation to enable it to perform this onerous task.

MR Parry B. O. OSAYANDE (DIG) Rtd

CFR, OFR, HPM, mni

Honourable Chairman