Group Criticizes Gov Abdulrazaq For Failing To Pay Constabularies
A pro-democracy group, the Kwara Advancement Initiative, KAI, has criticized Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for failing to pay salaries of the Community Police constables that were according to the group recruited by the Kwara state government in 2021.
The constabulary officers numbering over 1056, on Saturday took to the streets to protest the non-payment of their 18-month salary by the Kwara state government.
The street protest was held in Ilorin, the state capital.
Head, Democratic Mobilization and Monitoring Desk of KAI, Hajia Adeola Bashiru in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Saturday described the refusal of the Abdulrazaq administration to pay the constabularies their wages as a huge shame, wickedness and lack of compassion.
The group said it was a callous attitude on the part of Kwara state government officials not to pay the officers more than 18 months after engaging them.
‘Why did you recruit them when you knew you had no intention of paying them. How do you expect them to take care of their needs and families?
The contradictory claims by two top government officials in respect of the matter showed that the government is insincere. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye had on a WhatsApp group claimed that the ‘constabulary thing is a voluntary service, not a paid job.’
But the Commissioner for Communications, Olabode Towoju said the constabulary police officers were to be paid by the local governments and not the state government. Which of the positions do we take? The Abdulrazaq administration should stop playing on the intelligence of Kwarans.
As an organization, we empathize with the affected constabularies whose over 18 months’ salaries have not been paid. You surely do not deserve this kind of ill-treatment considering your contributions to the security of the state. We share in your pains and agony. It is shameful that you have been neglected by the same government that recruited you and that also swore to promote the welfare of workers in the state. It is sad that maltreatment of workers has become the reputation of this government.
Kwarans will recall how this administration treated SUBEB staff otherwise known as sunset workers. During electioneering, Governor Abdulrazaq pledged to retain the teachers, only for him to renege on his promise when he got to power, and left the workers to suffer.
We are unequivocally asking the Kwara State Government to as a matter of urgency, pay the constabularies their outstanding wages. You played politics with their recruitment; you cannot turn back and neglect them. The State Government shouldn’t contemplate disengaging these officers as doing so is a recipe for disaster. A serious government that prioritizes the security of its people will not treat security officers in this manner. No wonder the security situation in the state is worsening on Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s watch’ KAI submitted- Team@orientactualmags.com
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