NPF Defies Supreme Court and PSC: Addressing Fitness for Training Concerns – Tinubu’s Action Needed -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

The Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) rejection of the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) authority over recruitment, as granted by the Supreme Court, has sparked considerable debate and concern regarding the force’s attitude toward judicial decisions and the potential ramifications for the recruitment process. This act of defiance by the NPF is not merely a procedural disagreement but can be interpreted as a direct challenge to the authority of the judiciary and the delicate balance of power that exists within the country’s law enforcement structure.

By refusing to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling, the NPF has raised questions about its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the legal framework that governs the policing system in Nigeria. This perceived derogatory stance not only undermines the judiciary’s role in providing checks and balances within the governance of the police force but also casts doubt on the NPF’s willingness to operate within the bounds of the established legal system.

The implications of such a stance are far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate issue of recruitment but also the broader perception of the police force’s accountability and its relationship with the judicial branch. It sets a precedent that could potentially weaken the judiciary’s authority over other state institutions, leading to a breakdown in the separation of powers and the erosion of democratic principles.

Furthermore, this action by the NPF could have a detrimental impact on public trust in the police force, as it may be seen as an attempt to circumvent legal oversight and operate with impunity.

The NPF rejected the names of those recruited by the PSC, claiming that the list included individuals who did not apply or participate in the recruitment exercise. This rejection came after the PSC released a list of 10,000 successful candidates for recruitment as police constables. The NPF’s rejection is rooted in concerns about maintaining its operational independence and preserving the established methods for selecting and training candidates. The force fears that the PSC’s involvement could undermine its autonomy, disrupt its stringent recruitment and training processes, and allow many recruits to enter through corrupt means. The NPF traditionally emphasizes selecting candidates who meet specific standards and exhibit the necessary skills and proficiencies required for effective policing.

While these concerns are valid, the PSC has the Supreme Court’s backing in its authority over recruitment. Therefore, the NPF has no right to reject the PSC’s authority. Instead of making public complaints, the NPF should have obeyed the Supreme Court’s decision. An alternative approach could have involved provisionally accepting the PSC’s list and then using its tools to conduct final suitability evaluations and fitness for training.

An alternative perspective suggests that the NPF could have provisionally accepted the PSC’s list of recruits while retaining the authority to assess their potential through supplementary training and evaluations. This collaborative approach would acknowledge the PSC’s role in the initial selection process while allowing the NPF to uphold its recruitment standards. By working together, both entities could enhance the police force’s overall quality and efficiency.

This collaborative strategy would require a clear understanding and delineation of roles between the NPF and the PSC. The PSC, as the initial gatekeeper, would be responsible for screening candidates based on a set of criteria that align with the NPF’s needs and the country’s policing requirements. This would include background checks, educational qualifications, and other relevant factors that indicate a candidate’s potential to serve as a police officer.

Once the PSC has compiled a list of suitable candidates, the NPF would take over, providing these individuals with the opportunity to undergo supplementary training. This training would be designed to evaluate not just the candidates’ physical and mental capabilities but also their ethical standards, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under pressure—all critical attributes for effective police work.

The NPF’s training program would be rigorous, simulating real-world scenarios that police officers are likely to encounter. Through this process, the NPF would be able to closely monitor the candidates’ progress and determine their suitability for the role. Continuous evaluations would be conducted throughout the training period, providing a comprehensive assessment of each candidate’s performance.

Only those who demonstrate the necessary skills, resilience, and commitment would pass the training and be considered for integration into the police force. This system would ensure that the NPF maintains its high standards for recruitment while also respecting the PSC’s role in the initial selection process.

Moreover, this collaborative approach would foster a sense of partnership between the NPF and the PSC, leading to a more streamlined and effective recruitment process. It would also set a precedent for how other government institutions could work together, respecting each other’s mandates while achieving common goals.

This collaborative approach has several benefits. The NPF can ensure that all recruits meet its operational standards, while acknowledging the PSC’s role respects the judiciary’s decision, promoting legal compliance and institutional respect. Additionally, this method can mitigate tensions between the NPF and PSC, fostering a more cooperative environment. Emphasizing merit and potential over bureaucratic preferences ensures a more effective and competent police force.

The chronic and ongoing power struggle between the NPF and PSC, fueled by competition for money and power, has persisted for decades. This conflict is why many are advocating for local and state police in the country. Such a system would allow each state to conduct its own internal recruitment, selection, and training, thereby eliminating the negative competition between the NPF and PSC. Localized control over police recruitment and training would likely lead to a more streamlined and efficient process, better suited to the specific needs of each state.

Under President Tinubu’s administration, the nation has observed a growing trend of disrespect toward the judiciary, which has become a center of corruption, compromise, conflict, confusion, politicization, and nepotism. This development is deeply troubling for the maintenance of law and order in Nigeria. The judiciary, as the interpreter of the law and the final arbiter in legal disputes, plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. When the authority of the judiciary is undermined, the very fabric of the legal system is threatened, leading to a breakdown in the trust that citizens place in their institutions.

This erosion of trust can have far-reaching consequences, including diminished public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the legal system, increased lawlessness, and a potential rise in vigilantism as citizens seek alternative means of justice. Therefore, it is imperative for President Tinubu to take decisive action to restore respect for the judiciary, reinforce its independence, and ensure that it functions free from undue influence and corruption. This commitment to a strong and independent judiciary is essential for maintaining the rule of law and preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s legal and governance systems.

The Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) rejection of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) authority over recruitment is a stark example of this disrespect. By taking such a stance, the NPF not only challenges the Supreme Court’s decision but also sets a dangerous precedent that could encourage other state institutions to disregard judicial rulings. This undermines the principle of judicial review and the separation of powers, which are fundamental to a democratic society.

To address this issue and the broader disrespect for the judiciary, President Tinubu must take decisive action. A formal statement from the President, reinforcing the importance of respecting the Supreme Court’s final rulings, would be a significant step in the right direction. Such a declaration would serve multiple purposes. It would reaffirm the judiciary’s role as an independent and co-equal branch of government, whose decisions are to be respected and upheld by all other branches and institutions. The statement would also emphasize the importance of compliance with judicial decisions, particularly those of the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the land. It would send a clear message that disregarding court rulings is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Furthermore, by publicly supporting the judiciary, President Tinubu would help restore public confidence in the legal system. Citizens need to believe that legal outcomes are fair and that the decisions of the courts will be enforced. The President’s action would set a precedent for how the executive branch should respond to judicial decisions, demonstrating respect for the rule of law and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal system. It could also encourage a constructive dialogue between the NPF, the PSC, and the judiciary, fostering a collaborative approach to resolving disputes and ensuring that the recruitment process is both fair and effective.

In conclusion, President Tinubu’s formal statement on the importance of respecting the Supreme Court’s rulings would be a powerful tool in addressing the disrespect for the judiciary and the political and media disgrace that has ensued. It would reaffirm the principles of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the separation of powers, which are essential for the proper functioning of a democratic state. By taking this stand, President Tinubu would not only uphold the authority of the judiciary but also strengthen the foundations of Nigeria’s democratic governance.

In conclusion, the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) rejection of the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) authority over recruitment underscores significant concerns regarding the respect for judicial decisions and the operational autonomy of the police force. However, there is a potential pathway to reconciliation that could address both the NPF’s concerns and the judicial mandate.

By embracing a collaborative approach that incorporates supplementary training and pass/fail assessments, the NPF can strike a balance between maintaining its high recruitment standards and showing respect for the judiciary’s rulings. This compromise would not only validate the PSC’s role in the initial selection process but also ensure that candidates are thoroughly evaluated based on their merit and suitability for police work.

Such an approach would foster a merit-based recruitment process, which is essential for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of Nigeria’s police force. It would also serve as a step towards resolving the long-standing power struggles within the system, promoting a more harmonious and cooperative relationship between the NPF, the PSC, and the judiciary.

Ultimately, the respect for the judiciary is paramount for upholding the rule of law and ensuring a functional and fair governance system in Nigeria. The NPF’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground with the PSC and the judiciary is crucial for the betterment of the police force and the nation as a whole. Through mutual respect and collaboration, Nigeria can move towards a more efficient and just law enforcement system that serves the best interests of its citizens.

John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu