The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji, Disu, has declared that the welfare of police officers remains non-negotiable, stressing that personnel who risk their lives to protect the country deserve decent living and working conditions.
Disu stated this while addressing police officers and their wives at McCarthy Barracks, Obalende, Lagos State, over the weekend, amid concerns that residents could be ejected from the barracks under the guise of renovation and reconstruction.
The IGP, who visited the barracks to inspect ongoing work and ascertain plans for the facility, assured the residents that he would engage those handling the project to ensure its speedy completion.
He said the purpose of his visit was to assess the progress of the project, identify what remained to be done and find ways to accelerate its completion.
“I came here to see all of you, to see what they are doing, what the plan is, to talk to the people doing it, to see what is remaining and to ask important questions about why it has not been completed all these days.
“And to see if I can make them complete it fast. By the time we retire, we will not have the power and all those things again. At least, let us enjoy our lives.
“Every day, when our husbands are going out, they tell us they are coming back at night. Is there any policeman who is sure of coming back every day?
“We are not sure of coming back. So, the life that we have, let us live it well,” Disu said.
The IGP also stressed the need for police facilities to be designed with the welfare, comfort and convenience of officers in mind.
He recalled an instance where houses constructed for police officers were built without lifts, questioning whether the omission was because the beneficiaries were members of the Police Force.
“There is a place we went to where they built houses for police officers. They did not put lifts. We started asking questions. Is it because we are police officers that they did not put lifts in the building?” he asked.
Disu said the Police Force was committed to improving the living conditions of its personnel, noting that officers deserved to enjoy the benefits of their service to the nation.
“We need to enjoy ourselves. That is what we are trying to do. That is why I am talking with everybody in charge to see how long it will take to finish it on time.
“We are hardworking people. It is we who keep Nigeria together as it is today.
“Every day, policemen go to work and some die in the line of duty. So, when we live, let us live well,” he added.
The IGP further assured the officers and their families that efforts would be made to complete the renovation project, urging them not to be apprehensive about the possibility of being displaced.
“Don’t express fear that they want to push you out. At least, let us trust ourselves. If members of the public don’t believe in us, let us believe in ourselves,” Disu said.
