Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and public notary based in Edo State, Olayiwola Afolabi, has issued a plea to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to review the recent large-scale transfers of police personnel. Afolabi expressed concern that these transfers have resulted in the separation of families, particularly those where both spouses serve as police officers.
Furthermore, Afolabi urged the leadership of the police force to tackle the pressing issue of housing for police personnel by engaging with the Federal Ministry of Housing. He emphasized the critical need to address the accommodation crisis currently facing the Force.
In a letter dated February 9th, 2024, addressed to the IGP and shared with journalists in Benin on Sunday, Afolabi underscored his motivation for writing as a friend of the police and a staunch human rights activist.
“While we acknowledge that mass transfers are a customary practice within the police force, our primary concern lies with the welfare of married police officers, particularly those married to fellow officers,” Afolabi stated.
Afolabi continued, “We are deeply troubled by the potential hardship faced by children of married police officers when both parents are transferred away from their station simultaneously, as observed in instances across Edo State and Rivers State.”
In addition to addressing the familial challenges posed by transfers, Afolabi urged the police authorities to prioritize the provision of housing for officers. He highlighted the prevailing situation where transferred officers often find themselves without adequate accommodation in their new postings.
“We implore the police leadership to collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Housing to ensure that suitable housing options are made available for transferred officers,” Afolabi appealed. “We urge for a thorough examination of the situation, particularly focusing on female officers affected by these transfers.”
Afolabi’s heartfelt plea underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to safeguard the well-being of police personnel and their families, underscoring the broader imperative of enhancing welfare within the police force.