The Citizens for Ethical Leadership & Law (CELL) has backed the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) recent decision to retire senior police officers, describing the move as transformative and fair.
 
Its President, Chibuzor Ekalonu, said: “The decision made by the PSC in 2017 to base retirement on enlistment dates inadvertently created an imbalance in the force.  We are delighted that the commission has passionately revisited its position and concluded that the earlier approach violated the merger of service principle and was inconsistent with the Public Service Rule, which clearly outlines the retirement guidelines. This was a much-needed correction. This reconsideration shows the PSC’s commitment to ensuring that the police force operates by legal and administrative norms, promoting fairness and efficiency.”
  
 He noted that the previous arrangement, which permitted officers to extend their tenure based on enlistment dates, had fostered a system that discouraged the younger generation from progressing within the force. 
 
“The previous arrangement had a significant flaw, as it allowed certain senior officers to remain in service for longer periods, thereby stifling career advancement for younger officers. The PSC’s recent decision ensures that the police force remains dynamic, offering younger officers the opportunity to introduce fresh ideas and energy into the system.
   
“The PSC’s decision is not just a legal step, it’s a move to restore fairness and allow younger officers the opportunity to climb the ranks and bring fresh perspectives to policing in Nigeria. When older officers remain in service well beyond the prescribed retirement age, it limits the chances of younger officers to step up and make a difference,” Ekalonu stated.