The legal battle between 22,000 police constabularies and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has reached a critical juncture, with the constabularies demanding the enforcement of a court judgment that mandates their formal employment and payment of salary arrears. Justice Rakiya Haastrup of the National Industrial Court in Abuja ruled in favor of the constabularies, ordering the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to issue them appointment letters and pay their outstanding salaries dating back to 2021. The judgment stipulated a monthly payment of N54,566 per constabulary, covering the period from January 2021 to May 2024, amounting to a substantial financial obligation for the police force.
Despite the court order, the police have yet to comply, prompting the constabularies’ legal counsel, Sebastine Hon (SAN), to take further action. Hon has written to both the IGP and the President of Nigeria, urging them to enforce the court’s decision. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the constabularies’ financial hardship and the need for their services to be formally recognized. The police force, for its part, has remained noncommittal, with the Force spokesman referring inquiries to the Police Service Commission, which has also been unresponsive. This lack of engagement from the authorities has further exacerbated the constabularies’ frustration and underscores the need for a swift resolution.
The core of the dispute lies in the nature of the constabularies’ engagement with the police. Trained in community policing and intelligence gathering, these individuals have been serving the nation for four years without receiving the promised monthly stipends. While the police contend that their services were voluntary, the constabularies argue that a contractual agreement existed, guaranteeing them monthly payments equivalent to the basic allowance of a regular police constable. They presented documentary evidence to support their claim, highlighting the discrepancy between the police’s position and the documented terms of their engagement.
The constabularies’ predicament is further compounded by the hazardous nature of their duties, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of seven of their members. They argue that the lack of financial support has put their lives at further risk, as they struggle to meet basic needs while performing crucial security functions. This argument underscores the crucial role of the constabularies in maintaining community safety and highlights the injustice of their current situation. Their unpaid service and the risks they face warrant immediate attention from the authorities.
Justice Haastrup’s judgment affirmed the existence of a contractual agreement between the constabularies and the police, validating their claim to monthly stipends. While the exact amount was not initially fixed by the police, the judge ordered the IGP to determine the appropriate amount within two months of the judgment. In the meantime, she stipulated the payment of the basic constable allowance of N54,655, recognizing the constabularies’ entitlement to fair compensation for their services. This ruling provided a legal basis for the constabularies’ demands and placed the onus on the police to fulfill their contractual obligations.
The ongoing standoff between the 22,000 constabularies and the Nigerian Police Force underscores the critical need for adherence to the rule of law and the fair treatment of those who serve in security roles. The court’s judgment provides a clear path towards resolving the dispute, but the lack of compliance from the police raises concerns about accountability and respect for judicial decisions. The constabularies’ continued service without proper compensation is not only unjust but also undermines the effectiveness of community policing initiatives. The prompt enforcement of the court order is essential to address this injustice, ensure the welfare of the constabularies, and uphold the integrity of the legal system. Moreover, a resolution will send a clear message that the services of those contributing to national security are valued and will not be exploited.
