The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered an investigation into a signal ordering female police officers who live with their civilian husbands in barracks to vacate before January 31, 2022.
Tracknews Online reports that the IGP made this known in a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, on Wednesday.
Baba directed the Force Provost Marshal to carry out an immediate investigation into the signal which purportedly originated by the Enugu State Police Command.
The police boss assured the public and female police officers that the originator of the directive will be sternly dealt with if found culpable.
According to baba, no female police officer living with their spouses will be ejected from any Police barrack across the country.
He, however, described the said “directive” as unlawful, discriminatory, obnoxious, reprehensive and totally out of tune, adding that the signal was not in line with the Gender Policy of the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement reads: “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 institutionalises 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.”
