he Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba says no female police officer in police barracks across the country will be ejected for residing with their civilian spouses.
Baba gave the assurance while reacting to a story that bwas exclusively reported by SaharaReporters.
According to the report, a large number of married policewomen and others married to civilians living in different barracks in Enugu State were on the verge of being rendered homeless following an order by the command directing them to vacate the facilities.
According to a police wireless message with reference number C8:0900/ENS/PROV/VOL.1/195, DTO:100800/11/2021 obtained by SaharaReporters, the women police personnel with their civilian husbands should vacate before January 31, 2022.
The document had read, “YOU WARN ALL WOMEN POLICE PERSONNEL SERVING WITH THEIR CIVILIAN HUSBANDS AT POLICE BARRACKS IN THE COMMAND X WITHIN JURISDICTION YOURS X TO VACATE SAME ON OR BEFORE 31/01/2022 X REPEAT 31/01/2022.“
Reacting in a statement signed by the police spokesman Frank Mba, the IGP said the “directive” was not in line with the Force Gender Policy, which institutionalizes gender mainstreaming as a core value in the Nigeria Police Force.
Usman, who expressed anger about the “directive”, described it as unlawful, discriminatory, obnoxious, reprehensive and out of tune with the concept of equality in Nigeria’s Constitution.
The IGP, the statement said, had ordered the Force Provost Marshal to carry out immediate investigations into the viral document and ensure disciplinary action against any person(s) found wanting.
The statement read, “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc, has assured that no female Police Officer in Police Barracks across the country would be ejected for residing with civilian spouse.
“The IGP 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 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 stern disciplinary action against any person(s) found wanting. He calls 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 assures that the Force remains committed to advancing the general well-being, rights and privileges of its personnel, irrespective of rank or gender.”
