Posted by From LAMBERT TYEM Abuja on
Some Senior Police Officers recently demoted have vowed to seek redress in court if the National Assembly does not take necessary step to address the issue amicably.
Some Senior Police Officers recently demoted have vowed to seek redress in court if the National Assembly does not take necessary step to address the issue amicably.
Speaking exclusively with Saturday Sun yesterday on condition of anonymity at the Louis Edet House in Abuja, some of the affected Officers said that though they have taken the matter officially to National Assembly via a written petition and they will challenge the action of the Police Service Commission in court if the out come at the Assembly is not be favourable to them.
The Officers argued that their Promotions were in order and in line with relevant laws of Police Acts and Regulations and the constitution of Federal Republic, adding that they have already contacted lawyers who will pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.
They further argued that ' since the Police Acts and Regulations make provision for special promotions for outstanding performances, through which most of us gained our elevations under that law, we see no reason why it should be reverted.'
' This special promotions did not start during our time. Moreover, the present Inspector General of Police has in time past promoted junior officers working under him based on that regulation. The Police Service Commission Chairman, Parry Osayande while in the service promoted a lot of Police Officers based on this same law. He did not know that such promotions did not fall within the ambits of law until now. Why did he not revert that of the IGP who also was promoted from Commissioner of Police to Deputy Inspector General of Police, jumping one rank.'
The three Senior Officers who spoke bitterly on their issue however blamed their demotion on what they described as dangerous political vendetta adding that the action of the PSC was a script of Political Office holders aimed at opponents.
' Before our promotions, the Police Service Commission was not in place and what was in place then was Police Affairs Commission which the President and Commander in-chief was the Chairman who approves Promotions and disciplines of Senior Officers in the Police. He approved our Promotions and even dismissals of some Officers at that time.
Why did the PSC not recall those Officers dismissed by that same administration?
' I know this thing was targeted at some people for political reasons but what of us who are victims of circumstance. I think we have our rights as citizens of this country and I am sure we can demand for our rights where we feel cheated'.