The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has assured Nigerians that no female Police Officer in Police Barracks across the country would be ejected for residing with civilian spouse.
According to a signed statement by the Force Public Relations Officer CP Frank Mba, the IGP gave the assurance while reacting to a signal that purportedly originated from the Enugu State Police Command, stating that women Police operatives occupying barracks accommodation with their civilian husbands should vacate before 31st January, 2022.
Mba said the IGP, who is miffed with the said “directive”, described it as unlawful, discriminatory, obnoxious, reprehensive 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 and assures operatives of stern disciplinary action against any person(s) found wanting.
He 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 same as the said illegal order is null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
The IGP further assured that the Force remained committed to advancing the general well-being, rights and privileges of its personnel, irrespective of rank or gender.
