Some youths recruited as constabularies into the Nigeria Police Force to complement the police in maintaining security in the state on Wednesday protested against the nonpayment of their entitlements since commencing work 18 months ago.
The Osun State Police Command has reacted to a protest by some police special constabularies over alleged nonpayment of salaries.
Some youths recruited as constabularies into the Nigeria Police Force to complement the police in maintaining security in the state on Wednesday protested against the nonpayment of their entitlements since commencing work 18 months ago.
The protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Pay our salary now,” “Okada riders are sleeping with our wives,” “Pay us our 18 months’ salary,” “Pay us our stipends and allowances,” and “18 months without a kobo,” and marched across major streets in Osogbo, the state capital.
Reacting in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, the police command stated that the Community Policing Constabulary Scheme is a voluntary service which is a Federal Government initiative to improve security at the grassroots.
According to Opalola, the scheme is for individuals with prior paid employment who desire to spend their spare time assisting the police in its tasks within their communities.
The statement read, “The Osun State Police Command wishes to clear the air and refute the news making the rounds that, 'over 480 Police Officers protest nonpayment of salaries in Osun'.
“The Command hereby state unequivocally that, the Community Policing Constabulary Scheme of the Force is a purely voluntary service which is Federal Government initiative to improve security at the grassroots through training and incorporate individuals with prior paid employment who desire to spend their spare time assisting the police in its simple police tasks within their various communities.
“It should be noted that the scheme is to promote community partnership in crime control via the presence of respected members of the public, with sources of livelihood, partnering with the Force under the scheme to render voluntary service for better and improved policing within their communities.
“The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Olawale Olokode, psc, still re-emphasizes the fact that the scheme is voluntary and no payments were agreed with the individuals under the scheme neither were paid terms of appointment discussed prior to its commencement.
“Notwithstanding, the State government, or local government where they are serving may decide to give stipends to the members of the special Constabularies recruited by them for this assignment in their State, which does not interfere or change the constitution of the scheme.
“However, CP held a meeting with some of the members of the Scheme today; 7th September, 2022 at the State Command Headquarters; not minding the fact that there is no basis for their action of embarking on the street protest for "nonpayment of salaries" which was not part of the agreement in Principle. In their response, they appreciated the CP for his fatherly roles and they all promised to abide by the rules of engagement.”