17th November, 2021
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has debunked a viral signal ordering married female officers and their civilian spouses out of the barracks.
Baba described the signal as unauthorised and has assured the women that they will not be ejected for residing with civilian spouses.
Baba gave the assurance while reacting to a signal purportedly originated by the Enugu State Police Command, stating that women Police personnel occupying barracks accommodation with their civilian husbands should vacate before 31st January, 2022.
The IGP, who was miffed by the said “directive”, described it as unlawful, discriminatory, obnoxious, reprehensible and totally out of tune with the concept of equality as enshrined in our Constitution.
He noted that the “directive” is not in line with the Force Gender Policy which institutionalizes gender mainstreaming as a core value in the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP further noted that a Police Force that has produced several top-ranking, successful female officers, including Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), State Command Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, DPOs, eminent Spokespersons, an Olympic Gold Medallist, amongst others, will never walk such a retrogressive path.
Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered the Force Provost Marshal to carry out immediate investigations into the viral document.
He promised stern disciplinary action against any person(s) found wanting.
Baba called on members of the public, particularly, female Police Officers and their families, who might have become disturbed as a result of the unconscientious directive, to ignore it.
He said the illegal order is null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
The IGP further gave assurance that the Force remains committed to advancing the general well-being, rights and privileges of its personnel, irrespective of rank or gender.