A retired deputy police commissioner, Mr. Simeon Ajisafe, has asked the inspector general of police, Alkali Baba, to expedite his entitlement payments, saying he is now begging to feed his family.
Ajisafe, who entered The PUNCH office in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday afternoon, lamented the non-payment of his rights by law enforcement authorities over the past 12 years.
This, he said, had inflicted hardship on him and his dependents.
He left a copy of an open letter entitled “Claim for non-payment of my back salary and other rights (AP/ No.36078, ACP Simeón AE Ajisafe (retired)”, which he addressed to the IGP.
“The above matter is concerned. My letter dated November 10, 2022 sent through my lawyer, Victoria Echobu of Crescens Legal Associate on the same subject to her (IGP) office, is relevant,” Ajisafe stated.
Looking pale, the troubled retired policeman said: “My ordeal in the Nigerian Police Force dates back to May 25, 2011, when I was illegally dismissed from the Force. After a long battle, I challenged my case at the Abuja National Industrial Court and was vindicated on December 16, 2019.
“Following the court ruling, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission in his letter Ref. No. PSC/1524/IV/1/8/11 dated July 28, 2021 confirmed the court ruling; which was also endorsed by you (IGP) through your signal with the reference number CH: 7370/FS/FHQ/ABJ/ VOL.25/124 DTO: 281300/07/2021.
“On August 17, 2022, the monitoring signal from the office of the Secretary of Force ref. No. Ap.36078/FS/FHQ/ABJ/T/2 DTO: 171840/08/2022, promoted me and promoted me to my desired rank of Deputy Police Commissioner with my legal retirement date retroactive to April 1, 2021. ”
He added: “As much as I have appreciated your efforts thus far, it is desirable that your clear directive be given primary consideration in paying my back wages and emoluments. The consequences of not receiving my back salary, pension, bonus and other rights for more than twelve (12) years are more imaginable than experienced.
“I have faced serious financial embarrassment from many people, homeowners, dependents, just a few, among thousands of financial challenges.
“In view of these catastrophic developments, I humbly request the PGI to give urgent instructions to anyone holding on to my back wages. The MD, NPF Pensions Ltd and the CEO of PENCOM are not exempt from these directives, having perfected all the required documentation, with the two bodies.
“In view of my challenge, I have suffered a great lack of remittances in my retirement savings account (RSA); that the duo have to harmonize and pay me my tip, pension and pension arrears without further ado. This is my SOS,” she pleaded.
