….. calls on journalists to always fact-check to verify the authenticity of news stories before publishing.
The Integrity Youth Alliance, an organisation that has been monitoring the development trends in the Nigerian Police Force for over 15 years, corrected the mischievous publication by The Nigerian Voice, an online blog.
Reacting to the publication titled “IGP Egbetokun Orders Removal Of 52 Retired Senior Officers From Federal Payroll,” the National Coordinator of the Alliance, Kelvin Adegbenga, said that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, does not have the power to order the removal of retired senior officers from the Federal Payroll, as the power lies with the Police Service Commission.
“The Police Service Commission is one of the Federal Executive Bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. By virtue of Paragraph 30, part 1 of the third schedule to the Constitution and clause 6(1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001, the Commission is charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force (except the Inspector General of Police).
“The Police Service Commission ordered the removal of retired senior officers from the federal payroll, and this decision was communicated to the Nigeria Police Force, which the Force Secretary implemented.
“It is therefore mischievous to say that IGP Egbetokun orders the removal of 52 retired senior officers from the Federal Payroll, Adegbenga said.
He further said that it is imperative for journalists, in the 21st century, to ensure that the information they give is authentic to avoid causing chaos
“Finally, we urge journalists to ensure their facts are accurate to avoid misleading or misinforming society, Adegbenga said.
