Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, this evening blew hot over reported moves by aggrieved policemen to embark on strike over unpaid salaries. Abba in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. CP Emmanuel C. S. Ojukwu, threatened dire consequences for anyone who participates in the action. Ojukwu said:

“The attention of Police High Command has been drawn to a media publication captioned, ‘Policemen Threaten Strike over unpaid salaries’.

“At the outset, it is pertinent to state that, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is mindful of its responsibility towards the welfare of the workforce; part of which is promotion and recognition of hard work.

“As is expected, every promotion attracts some financial benefits, and which have been deeply considered in the course of processing and approving the promotions. For the avoidance of doubt the Nigeria Police Force is working assiduously with relevant government departments and agencies to effect the payment of the promotion arrears. Meanwhile, all promoted officers have since January 2015 been enjoying the salaries attendant on their new ranks.

“It needs be stated for the umpteenth time that the Nigeria Police Force is founded on the bedrock of discipline and loyalty. The Police Regulation has provided enough windows for aggrieved officers to ventilate their grievances.

“The IGP wishes to use this medium to restate his commitment to the welfare of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force. Hence all hands must be on deck to sustain measures put in place to ensure a safe and secured nation.

“As such, the IGP is miffed that officers have to recourse to unapproved channels to air their perceived grievances. The IGP therefore warns such officers of the dire consequences of breaching extant rules and regulations.”

•Photo shows IGP Abba.