The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has denied reports of a planned strike by members of the force.
Adejobi claimed that policemen protesting or going on strike was not possible in response to a report by the online news outlet SaharaReporters about a rumored planned massive protest by police in Lagos over alleged six-month unpaid arrears.
The online platform reported that only police officers in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 received back pay, while those in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11 did not. However, sources added that Assistant Commissioners of Police up to Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba had received four months’ worth of back pay.
“They started paying last week but it was stopped on Tuesday, January 4, 2023. Everywhere is quiet and nobody can say this is the cause,” a source had claimed.
The report added that another senior police officer (name withheld) said, “Senior inspectors from Lagos police command are planning to protest at the Lagos command Headquarters on Monday over the unpaid six months arrears.
“Police officers who did not collect their six months arrears are creating WhatsApp groups to gather numbers for the protest on Monday in Lagos.
“It has been two weeks now but no communication from police authorities concerning the arrears, and Mobile Police officers are threatening to protest; that is why the IGP called all the Squadron Commanders for retraining but it was a warning; not training.”
Debunking this in a series of tweets on Saturday, Force PRO Adejobi said, “Most times, I laugh when I read what some bloggers and news platforms write or publish on policing in Nigeria. This news, at times, look sponsored because they lack professional touches and merit. They are garnished with and full of lies, unfounded issues, assumptions, presumptions, etc.”
Continuing, Adejobi said, “Police Force is not a labour union or group where its personnel meet and deliberate on protest or strike. It’s not possible. We know and are aware of some ‘don’ts’ in the NPF being a regimental organisation. There is a particular news platform whose name sounds like or resembles a desert that will always want to stir up the NPF and our nation with its fake news, unfounded points, unguided arguments, and fallacies. We are disciplined in the police and uphold our ethics and sanctify of traditions and doctrines.
“We appreciate the improvements in our welfare and conditions of service under this present administration. it’s unprecedented, and I am sure more goodies will come for police personnel as soon as possible.”
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