“14 Years In Service, I Still Earn N64k” – Policeman Applauds #EndSARS Protesters
A Nigerian police officer has applauded the cause of the ongoing #EndSARs protest against police brutality in the country.
The officer while addressing protesters mentioned the challenges faced in the Police Force which he subtly confirmed as the reason for extortion.
“I am not happy about the situation of this country. My wife is protesting. I cannot be there but when she told me she wanted to go, I didn’t stop her because the situation affects her.
“After 14 years in service, I am still collecting N64,000 per month. Not just me, others in my set too collect the same salary. It doesn’t cover anything. I have four kids, I am paying rent, school fees, feeding my family,” he said.
On official expenses, the policeman noted that nothing comes free to them as serving members of the force.
“We buy our uniform, others can confirm this. My beret is N4,500; the buttons on the shirt is N3,000; the full Khaki is N8,000; you have to buy your rank logo N600; sewing is N3,000; Boot 18,000,” he added.
The Sergeant further decried how personnel are left to take care of expenses after postings to commands and formations.
“When they release posting, they don’t give us money. You are on your own, you bear all the costs. How will such a person not use the few days he has left to hustle. You must fend for yourself.
“Most times, they tell you to resume within 3 days to 1 week, without accommodation and financial assistance to relocate. The issues are too many. Do you know we go to buy the paper used for complaints at police stations? Paper!” he fumed.
When asked on welfare support for ailing and deceased officers, the policeman shook his head in regret.
“If any of us die, we usually make contributions to assist the family because they may not get anything for years. Imagine! Somebody that died serving his fatherland. We have seen cases where superiors demand for sex from the widows.”
He, however, expressed excitement and also encouraged the EndSARS protesters to include increment in Police salaries in their demands.
“It is very good and I am happy about it. At this point in Nigeria, nobody should get below N100,000 as monthly salary, the suffering is too much, prices of everything have gone up,” he complained.
