By: Kingsley Omonobi
Abuja – Following the recently alleged threat by Police personnel to embark on protest over delay in the payment of allowances due to them after the Ondo State gubernatorial election and the outrage it generated, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has set up a Special Panel to investigate, streamline and enhance payment of entitlements of Policemen in the country.

The panel headed by AIG Ali Ahmadu (rtd), have as members, a representative from the office of Police Account and Budget; a representative from the office of Director of Finance, a representative from the office of DIG Operations; a representative from the office of IGP Project Monitoring Unit and a member from the office of the Special Investigation Panel to assist the chairman in conducting the investigation.

Also on the panel is a representative from the office of Police Legal Section to serve as secretary.

Recall that authorities of the Police at Force headquarters attributed the delay in the payment of allowances after the Ondo State gubernatorial election, to submission of moribund details by policemen deployed for the elections.

A statement signed (today) Friday, by the Force Public relations officer giving further details said, “The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris is deeply concerned about the delay, omission and discrepancies in payment of allowances to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who participated in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ondo state”.
“And also arising from complaints of irregularities from certain quarters and discoveries of possible anomalies and plausible foul play; has set up a special panel to investigate, streamline and enhance payment of entitlements of the force personnel who engage in ad-hoc duties.

Emphasizing that “The special panel is empowered to launch an investigation into the entire payment system with a view to” the statement listed terms of reference of the panel.
They are, “Investigating thoroughly, the recent payment of allowances to personnel of the force to determine if the money released for the payment of the allowances was utilized accordingly, providing bank records as evidence.

“Liaising with the Ministry of Finance on the perennial problematic nature of paying allowances.

“Setting up standard modalities that will be adopted by the force to address payment of allowances given by the Federal Government for the conduct of subsequent elections in the country.

“Recommending where appropriate disciplinary actions against erring officers both within and outside the force.

“The SIP at the end of the investigation is to recommend professional modalities for payment of allowances in line with government due process for subsequent payment of allowances to personnel of the force engaged in ad-hoc duties.

“This development is pursuant to the policy of the Inspector General of Police for transparency and accountability in all aspects of the Nigeria Police Force and in readiness for the establishment of a standard template that would be used in the conduct of subsequent elections” it said.

The IGP enjoined officers who are yet to receive their payment to exercise a little more patience as the issue is already being looked into, assuring them that no one would be cheated of his due.

“He further urges anyone with useful information that can assist the panel in their investigation not to hesitate in coming forward with such and assures the Nigerian public that the police will always uphold transparency and due process in all her affairs” the statement added.
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