The allegation of some police officers paying $10,000 to get promotions has caused the Nigeria Police authorities to set up a panel to investigate the issue, promising to punish any persons found wanting
A statement signed by the Commission’s
Head, Press and Public Relations Ikechukwu Ani indicated that a nebulous group parading as aggrieved Officers of the Nigeria Police Force alleged that the Commission gave special promotions to junior Officers above senior ones after allegedly collecting bribe of a sum of $10,000.
According to the story published by Sahara Reporters on Tuesday, claimed that aggrieved Officers in a statement by one Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo (no rank indicated) on behalf of other Officers “urged the Presidency to probe the corrupt practices in the Police Force.”
The Commission stated categorically that it does not sell promotions in the Nigeria Police Force and will not start now when a deliberate effort is being made to reposition and reinvigorate the Nigeria Police Force, especially with the assumption of duty of Dr. Solomon Arase as Chairman of the Commission.
The statement however said the Commission has not formally received any formal petition or complaint on this allegation and
the said Mr.Chijioke Okonkwo who posed and signed off on behalf of other Officers forgot that he is a serving Police Officer and did not indicate his rank hence forgot the line of communication for Officers of the Nigeria Police Force which also guides the Public Service.
The Commission also charged any one with evidence on these allegations to as a matter of urgency, forward same to the Commission as any one found culpable will be dealt with in line with the laws of the land.
The statement however disclosed that the Commission has set up a panel to investigate these allegations hence aggrieved Officers should avail themselves of the existence of this investigative Panel and come forward with substantiated proof that could aid the investigation.
It insisted that those found wanting in the course of investigation will face the full wrath of the law.
The Commission strongly warned that it will not tolerate any frivolous and fictitious media claims as Officers and Men of the Police should be abreast and conversant with approved lines of communication.
The PSC similarly directs the Police to fish out the true identity of the said Mr Chijioke Okonkwo for interrogation.
While the Chairman of the Commission Dr. Arase is working hard to harmonize and improve the services of both the Commission and the Police, it can ill afford this kind of distraction.
Meanwhile, Dr Arase while assuring members of the public of his administration’s readiness to sanitize the system, has urged Staff of the Commission to live above board at all times in the discharge of their responsibilities as bribery and corruption of any kind will not be tolerated under his watch.
