Report that Inspectors serving in Akwa-Ibom State are planning protest over alleged non-payment of salaries has drawn the reaction of the police authorities.
The report had claimed that some inspectors acquainted newsmen with their plan to vent their grievances over the salary issue by way of protest.
The authorities have now responded to the claim by a statement the Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, released.
In it, the police said nothing of such was in the pipeline, adding that the report is a calculated attempt to malign the force.
“Furthermore, it is crystal clear that neither the office of the Inspector-General of Police nor the Nigeria Police Force is accountable and responsible for the salary disbursements; this responsibility lies with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), under the Federal Ministry of Finance. The reports issued by these journalists are not only distressing but also targeted at tarnishing the reputation of the Police Force or the office of the Inspector-General of Police for reasons best known to them.
“It is, however, fundamental to reiterate that should any policeman have issues with his or her payment of salaries, he should take such up with his box keeper or MSS Officer who liaises with the IPPIS desk officers for rectification. We are convinced that no serving officer of the police in Akwa Ibom State or any part of the country would stage a protest on the non-payment of salary, more so that our officers are aware of the process to address such sensitive matters.
“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, encourages all personnel with welfare-related concerns to reach out to the appropriate authorities within their respective commands or formations, thereby avoiding any actions that could bring disrepute to the Force,” Adejobi wrote.
