COMPULSORY RETIREMENT OF RANKING POLICE OFFICERS ON APPOINTMENT OF AN INSPECTOR GENERAL:LABOUR LAW PERSEPECTIVES

Abstract

Over  the  years,  the  issue  of  the  compulsory  retirement  of ranking police  officers  on  the  appointment  of a  new the Inspector General of Police is an  anomaly that has slowly become a tradition. This paper posits that there are far-reaching  political,  economic  and  social  consequences  to  dumping  highly  experienced  security  officers  based  on  a subjective  industry  norm  or  arbitrary  prerogative  of  the  Head  of  State.  This  practice is  not  backed  by  any  law  in Nigeria as  shall  be  shown  in an  examination  of the  provisions  of labourlawsand  judicial  decisions.  A  number  of victims of such compulsory retirement have sought legal redress and it is recommended that the National Industrial Court view this as an opportunity to create positive judicial precedent by applying the best labour law practices in determining such suits. Legislative and policy reforms are also recommended to curtail the influence of the Head of State over police affairs, especially as regard the politicization of the office of the Inspector General of Police.