AMBODE APPROVES UPGRADE OF INSURANCE COMPENSATION FOR POLICE OFFICERS IN LAGOS

…PLEDGES TO WAGE WAR AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday paid his first visit to the State Police Command where he announced the approval for the upward review of insurance compensation Police Officers serving in the state.

Announcing the review at the Oduduwa Police Command in Ikeja area of the State, the Governor during an interaction with Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders in the state, said the compensation which covers death and permanent disability to police officers in the line of duty was last reviewed 16 years ago.

Before the review, Senior Police Officers receive insurance compensation of N2million, Inspectors, and N1.5million while officers in Rank and File are entitled to N1million.

He said although the Federal Government through the Contributory Pensions Act had made provisions to assure the lives of all Police Officers, former governors, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola had subscribed to additional Group Life Scheme for the officers.

The Governor stressed that the gesture was borne out of the hazards associated with policing, however adding that the value of the compensation had become grossly inadequate.

“Therefore in fulfillment of our resolve to sustain, improve and consolidate on past attainments, I am pleased to announce the upward review of the compensation value as follows; Senior Police Officers, N5million; Inspectors, N3million and Rank and File N2million respectively”, the Governor said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna.

The Governor however seized the occasion to seek the support and cooperation of police officers in facilitating the strict enforcement of the Lagos State Law on Protection Against Violence, 2007, as well as the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011, in his renewed effort to wage war against domestic violence against women and rape.

 “By doing that, we will be sending a strong signal of zero tolerance to such barbaric acts and also conveying a message of assurance to our women of our commitment to their protection”, the Governor said.

Governor Ambode who was earlier received by the State Commissioner of Police, (CP) Mr. Kayode Aderanti at the Lagos Police Command, thanked the Command for the efforts in keeping the peace in the state in the last eight years, just as he urged them not to rest on their oars.

The Governor particularly commended the Police for its role in ensuring peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections in the state, assuring that the government will continue to put the constraints and concerns of the Force in the front burner.

“I consider it compelling to again seek your robust partnership and collaboration as we advance the cause for a safe and secure Lagos state. As 21^st Century Police Officers, you are expected to scale up your skills and professional conduct in a manner that the citizens will see you as true friends who will not compromise integrity and forthrightness”, the Governor said.

Thanking the Governor for the visit, the CP Kayode Aderanti said it was a testament to the commitment of his (Governor) administration to make the security of lives and property in a state a top priority.

The CP said it was the first time a Governor of the State will be visiting the State Police Commissioner’s Office.

“The visit is not only historic not only because it is your first but more so the speed at which you visited.

“We have had cause to meet and discuss the security of Lagos within the last one week and the impression I have gotten from you all through our meetings is that of a man who wants to turn the fortunes of the State Command around for the better,” Aderanti said.