Ondo Election: IG of Police Orders Probe Into Non-payment of Allowances of Its Officers

Policemen who participated in the Ondo state election may get their allowances finally paid after the IGP ordered a probe into why they have not gotten their money. 

*Photo used for illustrative purpose*

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered an investigation into the non-payment of allowances of police personnel who participated in the governorship election in Ondo State last Saturday.

 

This followed allegations and demonstrations by the affected officers who accused the top management of the police of sidelining them and refusing to pay them for the work they did.

 

Reports of the incident had earlier been reported after policemen complained and staged a protest but the police top management denied the allegations.

 

In a press release by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Don N. Awunah, the Idris said he is deeply concerned over the anomaly. The statement read thus:

"1.The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni deeply concerned about the delay, omission and discrepancies in payment of allowances to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who participated in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ondo state; and also arising from complaints of irregularities from certain quarters and discoveries of possible anomalies and plausible foul play, has set up a special panel to investigate, streamline and enhance payment of entitlements of the force personnel who engage in adhoc duties.

2. The special panel is empowered to launch an investigation into the entire payment system with a view to:

a. Investigating thoroughly the recent payment of allowances to personnel of the force to determine if the money released for the payment of the allowances was utilized accordingly, providing bank records as evidence.

b. Liaising with the Ministry of Finance on the perennial problematic nature of paying allowances.

c. Setting up standard modalities that will be adopted by the force to address payment of allowances given by the Federal Government for the conduct of subsequent elections in the country.

d. Recommending where appropriate disciplinary actions against erring officers both within and outside the force.

3. The SIP at the end of the investigation is to recommend professional modalities for payment of allowances in line with government due process for subsequent payment of allowances to personnel of the force engaged in adhoc duties. This development is pursuant to the policy of the Inspector General of Police for transparency and accountability in all aspects of the Nigeria Police Force and in readiness for the establishment of a standard template that would be used in the conduct of subsequent elections.

4. The investigation panel will be chaired by Retired AIG Ali Ahmadu with the following as members:

i. a representative from the office of Police Account and Budget

ii. a representative from the office of Director of Finance

iii. a representative from the office of DIG Operations

iv. a representative from the office of IGP Project Monitoring Unit

v. a member from the office of the Special Investigation Panel to assist the chairman in conducting the investigation

vi. a representative from the office of Police Legal Section to serve as secretary

5. The Inspector General of Police enjoins officers who are yet to receive their payment to exercise a little more patience as the issue is already being looked into, assuring them that no one would be cheated of his due. He further urges anyone with useful information that can assist the panel in their investigation not to hesitate in coming forward with such and assures the Nigerian public that the police will always uphold transparency and due process in all her affairs."