A group of ousted members of the Nigeria Police Force has made an appeal to the acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, urging him to honor a court ruling that granted them reinstatement into their rightful service.
These disgruntled officers, belonging to the ranks of Cadet Inspector Force Entrants 33, 34, and 35 from the police academy, were forced into retirement by the force. They revealed that the National Industrial Court had unequivocally commanded the former Inspector General, Mr. Alkali Usman, to reinstate them without delay. However, much to their dismay, the said order remained flagrantly disregarded by the latter.
This was highlighted in an official statement congratulating Egbetokun on his position. The message, presented on Monday, was a collective voice of the concerned officers which featured the signature of Mr. Emmanuel Idris, who served as their representative.
‘Your contemporaries and those who have had the opportunity to work with you all attested to your integrity—that you are an officer who does his job with the fear of God, fairness, equity and justice,’ the statement partly reads.
Read also: Nigeria Police Warns Against Scammers In Constable Recruitment
As stated in the statement, the former Inspector General declined to reinstate them, even in the face of counsel from numerous stakeholders within the force, urging compliance with the court’s directive.
‘It is against this background that we, the members of the above courses (force entrants), are appealing to you to help in the implementation of the court judgement in suit number. NICN /ABJ/281/2021 CSP Econg Egwo Egong and three others vs. PSC and two others.’
‘This judgement has been given since April last year. But to our dismay, the immediate former IG vehemently refused to do the needful even after the directives to do so and the advice from the Police Service Commission and Police Legal Department, respectively.’
The statement adds: ‘Consequently, we urge our new IGP to use his good offices to correct this obvious injustice. Wishing you a prosperous tenure as you take up the mantle of leadership of Nigeria Police.’
Following the departure of Usman Baba, President Bola Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as the acting Inspector General of Police, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the force.
Since assuming office, Egbetokun has swiftly taken action to introduce reforms within the police force, aiming to improve the state of security in the country.