UYO – Over 1,500 police officers in Akwa Ibom State have taken to the streets, pleading with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to address their 11-month salary arrears.
The officers, who were promoted from Inspector 11 to Inspector 1 in September 2023, claim they have been receiving their old salaries despite the promotion.
The officers, speaking under the banner of Concerned Police Inspectors in Nigeria, visited the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Uyo on Thursday to voice their grievances. They expressed deep concern over the impact of the unpaid arrears on their families’ well-being, particularly in light of the current economic hardships.
“We are uncomfortable with this inhuman treatment,” said one officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We have dedicated years to serving our country, and now our entitlements are being denied. We can no longer afford to feed our families or pay their bills.”
The officers, who have sent an appeal letter to the IGP, the presidency, the National Assembly, and the Police Service Commission, claim that their pay officers have attributed the delay to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) returning their vouchers due to a lack of directive from the IGP.
“We ask, between our IGP and the Police authority, who should take matters of our welfare more seriously?” the officers questioned. “Since he assumed office, Mr. Egbetokun has been promoting officers without ensuring their financial entitlements are met. We are receiving signals about dressing codes, but what are we going to use to buy uniforms if our salaries haven’t been paid?”
The officers are urging the IGP to intervene and ensure they receive their deserved salaries, highlighting the detrimental impact the unpaid arrears are having on their morale and ability to effectively carry out their duties.
