Stop lobbying for special promotions, NPF warns Police personnel

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) High Command on Thursday raised the alarm over the increasing cases of personnel lobbying the Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) for special promotions and warned officers against such unethical behaviour.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

According to the statement, the surge in lobbying was triggered by misinformation being spread by certain media platforms following the recent approval of accelerated promotions for a number of deserving officers who had distinguished themselves through exemplary service.

The statement declared:
“Such conduct is unethical, undermines the principles of meritocracy and professionalism, and will attract severe disciplinary action in accordance with extant laws and regulations.”

The Force strongly cautioned personnel against lobbying or attempting to influence the promotion process through unofficial means, reiterating that such actions are unethical and will be met with strict disciplinary measures.

The statement further reads:
“The Nigeria Police Force has observed with concern the growing wave of lobbying and unofficial requests directed at the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission by certain officers seeking special promotions.”

“This surge was triggered by misinformation being spread by certain media platforms following the recent approval of accelerated promotions for deserving officers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service.”

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“The Force wishes to categorically state that these accelerated promotions were not arbitrary but were part of a well-structured reward system set up by the police leadership. The system aims to recognize officers who have demonstrated outstanding performance, uncommon bravery, professional excellence, and commitment to duty. The officers who benefited met the standardized guidelines for such accelerated promotions. The recent exercise does not signify the commencement of a general or indiscriminate special promotion scheme.”

“In light of misleading reports sponsored by a particular online platform suggesting that the Police Force has initiated arbitrary promotions, the Nigeria Police Force firmly cautions the public to disregard such falsehoods. These reports are baseless, misleading, and intended to undermine the integrity of the Force’s promotion process.”

“The NPF remains committed to transparency, merit, and due process in all personnel decisions.”

The statement reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to a promotion system anchored on integrity, verifiable merit, and honourable service to the nation. It urged personnel to remain dedicated, maintain discipline, and continue to discharge their duties with pride and distinction.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, had on Tuesday defended the special promotion of 38 officers approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC), stating that the affected officers were promoted in line with a recently introduced policy. This policy guarantees accelerated promotion for recipients of the Police Officer of the Year award or those who earn consecutive commendations from the Inspector-General of Police.

Speaking during the decoration ceremony held in Abuja, Egbetokun stated that the promotions were not routine but transformational in the history of the Nigeria Police Force.

He pointed out that the officers were selected from a pool of over 300,000 personnel across the country, having distinguished themselves in courage, integrity, and professionalism.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE