Dismissed Police Officers Appeal to President Tinubu for Reinstatement
A group of dismissed police officers has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in their plight and reinstate them into the Nigeria Police Force. The officers, numbering over 1,500, were allegedly unlawfully dismissed between 2013 and 2016 for participating in a peaceful protest over unpaid salaries and allowances. They claim their dismissal violated their fundamental human rights and contravened the Police Act and Regulations, which guarantee their right to peaceful assembly and association. The dismissed officers argue that they followed proper procedures by first lodging complaints with the Police Service Commission (PSC), but their grievances were not addressed.
The officers’ core grievance revolves around the non-payment of six months’ arrears of their salaries, as well as the denial of their promotion allowance spanning five years. They explain that their decision to protest arose from the prolonged hardship caused by these unpaid entitlements. They maintain that the protest was peaceful and within the confines of the law, aimed at bringing their concerns to the attention of the relevant authorities. However, their actions were met with dismissal, an act they deem disproportionate and unjust.
Furthermore, the dismissed officers highlight the prolonged legal battles they have faced since their dismissal. They have pursued their case through various legal channels, including petitioning the National Assembly and approaching the courts. They lament the slow pace of justice and the significant financial burden this protracted legal process has placed on them and their families. Many have been plunged into poverty and hardship due to the loss of their livelihood, facing challenges in meeting basic needs like feeding their families, paying rent, and providing education for their children.
Adding to their woes, the officers allege that some of their colleagues who participated in the same protest were reinstated by the previous administration. This selective reinstatement has further fueled their sense of injustice and discrimination. They question the basis for this disparity in treatment, emphasizing that all protesting officers faced the same allegations and were subjected to the same disciplinary procedures. This perceived unfairness has deepened their resolve to seek justice and redress.
The dismissed officers now place their hope in President Tinubu, urging him to use his executive powers to review their case and ensure justice is served. They believe his intervention is crucial to correct the perceived injustices and restore their careers. They appeal to the President’s sense of fairness and commitment to upholding the rule of law, stressing the negative impact their dismissal has had on their lives and families. They implore him to prioritize their case and provide a much-needed resolution to their prolonged struggle.
The officers’ case underscores the challenges faced by security personnel in Nigeria, particularly concerning welfare and working conditions. Their plight also highlights the need for robust mechanisms within the police force to address grievances and ensure fair treatment of officers. The call on President Tinubu to intervene serves as a plea for a more just and equitable system within the Nigerian Police Force, where officers’ rights are protected, and due process is followed. The outcome of their appeal will be closely watched, as it holds implications for the morale and well-being of police officers across the country, and for the public’s trust in the police force’s internal mechanisms for justice. It also emphasizes the responsibility of the government to ensure the welfare of its security personnel who play a crucial role in maintaining law and order. A fair resolution to this case could contribute significantly to improving police-community relations and strengthening the integrity of the Nigerian Police Force.
