BREAKING: Police Service Commission Union Declares Indefinite Strike

By Akinwale Kasali

The Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission is set to embark on an indefinite strike action.

The notice of the indefinite strike was issued to the Management of the Commission over a breach of agreement.

It was stated by the Union that the strike will commence with effect from Monday, August 29, 2022.

Adoyi Adoyi, Chairman of the Joint Service Union, PSC chapter, made this disclosure today during an interview with The PUNCH.

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

Adoyi noted that the IGP and other police chiefs in connivance with the Chairman of the PSC, have overruled the Constitutional duty of the PSC.

He 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.

In his words, “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 spelled 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.”