Police recruitment: Don’t collect money from applicants, Arase warns PSC officials

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, has warned the PSC officials deployed for the recruitment of new Constables against the collection of money from applicants and families.

Arase gave the warning at a pre-deployment briefing of the physical and credentials screening officials on Saturday, ahead of the exercise starting on Monday, January 8, 2024, across the country.

“It is not just a recruitment exercise, but a defence of the sanctity of the commission’s mandate and demonstration of its competence,” Arase was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, on Sunday.

He said collecting money from applicants or families was an action contrary to the principles of integrity and fairness, stressing that the PSC officials were not merely fulfilling a duty, but shaping the future of the Force.

The PSC chairman charged the officials to adhere strictly to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct throughout the entire duration of the exercise.

Arase said: “I admonish you to anticipate unprecedented challenges during this exercise. With over 400,000 applicants passing through your stations, each presenting argument to join the Nigeria Police Force, the pressure will be immense.

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“Remember, you are the guardians of a process that not only holds inherent significance, but also paves the way for the forthcoming 30,000-man recruitment approved by the current administration.

“Embrace this responsibility with the knowledge that your actions will resonate beyond the confines of the present. As staff of the Commission, you are entrusted with a job that carries the weight of our nation’s aspirations for a just and secure future.”

He noted that the recruitment was significant as it is the first conducted by the PSC after the Supreme Court Judgment on July 20, 2023, that reaffirmed the primacy and exclusivity of the commission in recruiting for the Force.

Arase added: “We stand at the precipice of a new era and it is our solemn duty to ensure that this exercise establishes the gold standard for future recruitments.

“The nation’s watchful eyes will scrutinise our every move, demanding our unwavering dedication and commitment to the principles of fairness and justice.

“Therefore, I implore each of you to exhibit your best behaviour upholding the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and honesty.”

The Star