Police Commission Union Declares Indefinite Strike

The Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission has given a notice of indefinite strike to the management of the commission over a breach of agreement.

The union stated that the strike will begin effective from Monday, August 29, 2022.

Chairman of the Joint Service Union, PSC chapter, Mr Adoyi Adoyi, disclosed this on Thursday.

The notice is coming amidst disagreement between workers of the commission, the Chairman of the commission, Mr Musiliu Smith, and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, on which body should be in charge of recruitment, promotion, and appointment of constables and officers.

According to him, the IGP and other police chiefs, with the chairman of the PSC, have overruled the constitutional duty of the PSC.

Adoyi further said that the IGP has taken it upon himself to be in charge of the functions of the PSC in blatant 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 IGO, 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.”