The South West Youth Alliance (SWYA) has dismissed claims that police personnel are planning protests, describing a recent report by Sahara Reporters as fictitious and misleading.
Reacting to a publication titled “Nigerian Policemen Gear Up For Protests Over Poor Welfare As ‘Repentant’ Boko Haram Terrorists Get Billions Of Naira As Livelihood Support,” the Publicity Director of the Alliance, Adenike Ajanlekoko, stated that no serving police officer is preparing for any protest. She emphasised that police personnel are bound by the Police Act 2020 (as amended) and the Public Service Rules, both of which strictly prohibit their participation in protests, strikes, or acts of mutiny.
“Police personnel are fully aware that any strike action or intentional disruption of law enforcement duties by a security agency constitutes mutiny. Officers of the Force remain committed to discipline and loyalty and would never resort to such unprofessional conduct. Policing is a critical and essential service, vital to maintaining peace and order in the country,” she said.
Ajanlekoko further debunked the report’s claim that critics of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)’s alleged actions are questioning his continued stay in office, describing it as a fabrication.
“We dare say such critics exist only in the wild imagination of Sahara Reporters and its sponsors,” she asserted.
She also clarified that IGP Kayode Egbetokun is not under any form of increasing or legitimate scrutiny for overstaying his tenure.
“The tenure of IGP Egbetokun is governed by Section 7(6) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which stipulates a fixed term of four years. Furthermore, Section 8(a) of the Act affirms that the IGP shall remain in office for the duration stated in their appointment letter, regardless of the general retirement rules applicable to other police officers,” Ajanlekoko explained.
She refuted allegations that state police commands rely on corrupt funds or handouts from state governors to run their operations.
“We categorically state that no police commands are surviving on illicit funds or begging state governors for financial support. The Federal Government has been fulfilling its responsibilities,” she said.
Ajanlekoko concluded by affirming IGP Egbetokun’s unwavering focus on reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
“IGP Kayode Egbetokun remains committed to the holistic development of the Nigeria Police Force through his vision of creating a professionally competent, service-driven, and people-friendly institution that supports the government’s agenda for economic recovery and social development,” she noted.
In conclusion, she urged well-meaning police personnel and the general public to disregard the “dubious publication,” describing it as lacking substance and credibility.
