Mr Isaac Akinmoyede, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Umuahia, has pleaded with police officers of the Ebonyi State Police Command not to take part in the rumoured nationwide protest and strike action by some personnel over nonpayment of salaries.
Indications had emerged that some personnel of the police force who are owed a backlog of salaries are planning a nationwide protest and strike action to demand immediate payment of their entitlements.
But addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, shortly after a one-day interface with officers in the state, Akinmoyede explained the preparedness of the IGP, Usman Alkali Baba to offset all backlog of salaries owed to some officers in the country.
“I’m here in Ebonyi State to lecture officers and men of the command, on their duties, and the need to be loyal and show commitments to their works,” he said.
“To let the officers know that the IGP Usman Alkali Baba is making efforts as regards the general wellbeing and welfare of police officers in the country.”
According to him, “the strike is a rumour but when rumours are flying so high, then there is a need to clear the air. He added that he was in Ebonyi to listen to the officers and men of the command.
“Yes, they have their challenges as a commander. You heard when I said the promise of a 20 percent increase made to them will be fulfilled,” he said.
In his reaction, the state commissioner of police, Mr Aliyu Garba said, “We have assured the IGP that Ebonyi State Police Command will not join the bandwagon in the name of anything called strike.
“We will continue to do our best, to the best of our ability in the discharge of our civic responsibilities.”
