Police Address Allegations Of Mass Resignation, Explains Unpaid Allowances, Others
The Nigeria Police Force has responded to what it calls recent “mischievous and possibly sponsored” allegations concerning its activities.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, addressed such concerns as the delay in payment of promotion arrears, unpaid allowances and palliatives as well as purported mass resignation of Police officers.
In response to the delay in the payment of promotion arrears, Adejobi said it is a recognized and budget-based payment in the public service, adding that the delay “is a procedural matter and not indicative of any neglect or malintent as the Force is committed to ensuring that officers receive their due promotions and corresponding arrears in a timely manner”. He said however that those affected are only those promoted within the year 2023, whose promotion entitlements were not catered for in the already approved 2023 fiscal policy.
Regarding the issue of unpaid allowances and palliative payments, the Force posited that palliative payment is a Federal government initiative, over which the Inspector-General of Police has no direct control.
“The delays or discrepancies in payment of palliatives to selected few police officers may be attributed to the bureaucratic procedures involved in government disbursements”, Adejobi said, adding however that the Force is committed to working with relevant authorities to address any concerns relating to allowances and palliative payment.
Similarly, with regards to the purported mass resignation, Adejobi said the Police Force has not received mass resignation letters from its officers except in a few cases of officers who had privileges of secondment to some international organizations, especially the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and had opportunities of permanent employment with such organizations.
Addressing concerns regarding reorganization, the PRO clarified that the process, which involves the transfer of officers who have served for a long period of time in a particular State, is a crucial aspect of maintaining effectiveness, professionalism and curbing undue overfamiliarity that may hamper quality service delivery.
He disclosed that Edo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and other States have currently been earmarked for this first phase of reorganization to enhance efficiency and accountability, and emphasized that the exercise “is a tradition and sacrosanct”.
The Force PRO reiterated that “the NPF under the current leadership remains committed to the welfare of officers and resolute in ensuring the growth and repositioning of the Force, and any claims suggesting otherwise should be viewed with skepticism”.
