By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has strongly disclaimed a press statement that recently circulated on social media, claiming to unveil the final shortlist of successful candidates for the recruitment of Constables into the Nigeria Police Force. The Commission has also disavowed an unofficial list of purported successful applicants that has been circulating.
In a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations for the Police Service Commission, issued this statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to reports, the Force Public Relations Officer, who was initially thought to have endorsed the press statement, has now distanced themselves from it. In response, the Commission has called on the police force to launch an investigation into the origins of this “fake news” and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In a bid to clarify the situation, the Commission has asserted its exclusive authority over the recruitment of officers into the Nigeria Police Force, citing its constitutional powers and the Supreme Court judgment in Suit No: SC/CV/773/2020. The Commission has emphasized its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its constitutional mandate and will continue to engage relevant stakeholders throughout the recruitment process.
The Commission categorically denounces any unauthorized release of candidate lists, emphasizing that such actions undermine the constitutional and judicial processes. In due course, the Commission will release the official and verified list of successful candidates for the 2022 Recruitment exercise.
To ensure transparency and inclusivity, the Commission established a Police Recruitment Board consisting of representatives from key stakeholders within the Police Sector. This board, which includes the Police Service Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission, Police Colleges, and Police Trust Fund, was established to facilitate a smooth and crisis-free recruitment exercise.
The Commission reiterates that it has the ultimate authority to approve the list of successful candidates for the ongoing recruitment exercise. In the coming days, it will review the recommendations made by the Recruitment Board and subsequently release the authenticated list of successful candidates. Additionally, in consultation with the Nigeria Police, the Commission will announce the training schedule for the successful candidates.
The recruitment process aims to uphold integrity, accountability, fair representation, and efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force.