Investigate Police Protest in Borno State-PDP urge FG

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for investigation into the protest by police officers in Borno over allegation of unpaid allowances.

The party made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.

It decried the incident, describing it as unfortunate and said that it was not good for the security of the troubled state and others in North-East.

Ologbondiyan said that it was disconcerting that policemen, who risked their lives daily at the battle fronts, were denied their allowances for months.

The party noted that without basic needs, policemen were kept forlorn in the face of battle, while their top officers enjoyed the comfort of their huge offices in Abuja.

He said, “The PDP strongly believes that the situation is more than has met the eyes.

“We therefore demand an urgent investigation to get to the root of this pathetic situation and stressed that findings of such investigations must be made public”.

The party however, urged the aggrieved policemen to exercise restraint.

It also charged the police high command to ensure the immediate payment of the officers’ allowances.

Recall that Borno State Police Commissioner, CP Damien Chukwu on Monday assured police personnel drafted to the state for special duties that with the passage of the 2018 budget, issues concerning the 5 months outstanding allowances owed them would be cleared in no distant future.

 In a statement, the Command said it was aware of the plight of the police personnel regarding payment of allowances but noted that appropriate liaising was ongoing with the federal government to address the situation.

The statement signed on behalf of CP Damien Chukwu, by the command’s PRO, DSP Edet Okon said, “Today (Monday) being 2nd July 2018 at about 6.30am, personnel of the Police Mobile Force on Special duty came to Borno State Command Headquarters to inquire about the non-payment of their allowances for 5 months running.

 “The Police High Command is aware of their plight and liaising with appropriate Federal Government agencies to address the situation. 

 “We are hopeful that since the 2018 budget has been signed by the presidency, the allowances will be paid soon. 

 “Meanwhile efforts by officers of the command yielded results as the situation were brought under control.

 “Members of the public are therefore encouraged to go about their lawful activities without any fear or apprehension. 

 “The IGP has consequently directed the Commissioner of Police in-charge Police Mobile Force to relocate to Borno State and address the situation.

 “The Borno State Government has also intervened and pledged to assist to better the condition of the visiting PMF personnel.”

 END