The Osun State command of the Nigerian police has said operatives of the police constabularies protesting in Osogbo, the state capital are giving wring impressions as if they are on any paid employment.
Commissioner of Police, Wale Olokode, via a statement by command spokeswoman, Yemisi Opalola, said Wednesday that the constabulary scheme is a voluntary service.
He said it is meant for respected members of the community who have individual means of livelihood and not depend on any payment from the scheme.
The statement signed by Opalola reads: 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 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 “non payment 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.
E-SIGNED
SP OPALOLA YEMISI OLAWOYIN, mnipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Osun State Command, Osogbo