A group of over 1,500 police officers, promoted from Inspector II to Inspector I, staged a peaceful protest in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, over non-payment of 11 months’ salary arrears. The officers, under the Concerned Police Inspectors in Nigeria (CPIN), expressed their grievances at the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The protesters, who requested anonymity, stated that their crime-fighting morale has been dampened by the lack of commitment to their welfare by the police authorities. They called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure payment of their salary arrears, crucial for their survival amidst the country’s harsh economic conditions.
Copies of their appeal were sent to the Presidency, National Assembly, and Police Service Commission (PSC). The letter to the IGP reads, “We are over 1,500 personnel promoted from Inspector II to Inspector I, yet we still collect old salaries as junior Inspectors instead of senior Inspectors.”
The officers expressed discomfort with what they described as “inhuman treatment” by the IGP, pointing out that after many years of service, they are being denied their entitlements. They lamented, “We can no longer feed our families or pay their bills due to the high cost of essential items. The delay in payment is causing significant hardship for us and our families.”
The protesting officers urged the IGP to address their concerns promptly and called on the federal government to intervene, ensuring they receive their due entitlements.
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