IGP debunks planned strike by Police, says speculation is mischievous

By Our Correspondent

 

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba has debunked the speculation bothering round planned strike  by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), declaring that the information is “fake and mischievous”.

The rumor which has gone viral on the social media alleged that the action is scheduled to be effective from March 26, 2022.

The Police boss asserted that the publication which contained the information was fake and a mischievous  attempt by unscrupulous individuals to bring the Force to disrepute, misinform the general public and heat up the polity.

Baba in a statement issued Monday restated that the NPF is a regimented and disciplined organization with laid down rules and guidelines for addressing grievances and in no circumstance is a strike action one of such means.

“The men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are fully aware that a strike action or other deliberate disruption of law enforcement services by any security organization is mutinous and the personnel of the Force would not degenerate at any point to that level of disloyalty and indiscipline, as policing services are paramount and essential in the maintenance of orderliness and peace in the nation.

“It is pertinent to emphasize that the IGP is accelerating efforts to ensure the full implementation of the increment of salaries and allowances proposed by the President and approved by the Federal Executive Council. It is important to accentuate that it was the President’s initiative without any demand from the Police to direct the process of increasing salaries and allowances. The Federal Government is therefore fully committed to the implementation of the new salary package” IGP disclosed.

Baba clarified that ever since the approval, the Salaries and Wages Commission has issued an implementation circular, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs and the himself have been working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to ensure the stoppage of tax deductions as directed by the President and approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

 

IGP reiterated that police officers under his leadership are well motivated with the ongoing reforms,