Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that rank-and-file officers of the Nigeria Police Force are preparing to withdraw their services on July 21 in protest against what he described as abysmally poor remuneration.
Sowore made the revelation on Wednesday while speaking as a guest on ‘The Morning Brief,’ a programme on Channels Television.
According to him, the officers involved believe their current salaries leave them practically unemployed, and they have chosen the date to register their frustration through a nationwide work boycott.
He explained: “Our proposal, which many of them are considering, is to withdraw their services, especially from the VIPs who are supposed to make decisions about their welfare.
“If, on July 21, the Inspector General of Police wakes up to find there are no officers to drive him or bear arms for his convoy, he will realise that the men are serious.”
Sowore added that contrary to assumptions by senior police authorities, the agitation is not being driven by retired officers, but by serving personnel who are ready to act.
He said that another group is already planning a follow-up action for August 1.
“Many of them have openly said, and I believe them that their pay is no better than being jobless, considering the level of risk they face. How do you explain serving for 35 years and receiving ₦35,000 as pension? What do you do with that, buy a recharge card?” he asked.
He also called for an urgent upward review of the salaries and general welfare of junior police officers, noting that a majority of them earn between ₦57,000 and ₦140,000 monthly, depending on rank.
“How do you survive on that in a country with 24 percent inflation, school fees to pay, and medical bills to handle for your children?” Sowore queried.
He appealed to Nigerians, particularly celebrity entertainers and public figures who benefit from police protection, to show solidarity with the protesting officers.
