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 farreaching 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 labour laws and 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.