OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI
THE CONTINUE NEGLIGENCE OF NIGERIA POLICE TROOPS ON FOREIGN MISSION BY ECOWAS
I write to bring to your notice that some of the Nigeria troops in foreign mission in various countries of the world that are under distress are being neglected; and are facing serious hardship and being treated bad by the international body that hosted them like (ECOWAS).
It is pertinent to note that a troop of Formed Police Unit(FPU) contingent lll was sent on peacekeeping mission as requested by ECOWAS from Nigeria to Guinea Bissau in July 2013. The troops were deployed to Guinea Bissau where they spent one year after their stay in Bissau elapsed in July 2014. The troop made a lot of sacrifices in ensuring that peace and normalcy returned back to Guinea Bissau, and represented Nigeria very well.
However, the troops were the one that provide security in Bissau during the election period in Guinea Bissau and also provided security during the handing over of power to the present government lead by President Jose Mario vas. But despite all their effort and sacrifice made in another man’s land for 12 month, it is dishearten to note that ECOWAS has failed and refused to recognized all the efforts of the troops. All the entitlement that the troop were entitled to has not been paid to them by ECOWAS for over two years since they left the mission field.
In the same vain, another Formed Police Unit (contingent lV) was sent by the Nigeria police authority to take over duty from their predecessor in July 2014 in Guinea Bissau on the request of ECOWAS. The present contingent in Bissau has been performing excellently well and promoting the image of Nigeria in foreign land. But surprisingly, the troop has spent over one year in operation with a lot of dedication and commitment to their duties. It is pathetic and sorrowful to note that ECOWAS has refused vehemently to pay all the allowances due for this troops in Guinea Bissau presently.
On the same mission field there are troops from BURKINA FASO, SENEGAL and troop from the Nigeria Army performing the same functions. All the above mentioned troop are been paid their money regularly and as when due,but Nigeria police is not been paid by ECOWAS. The Nigeria police troops made a lot of effort in ensuring peace in foreign land but for over two years now no allowance paid to them by ECOWAS in guinea Bissau.
Perhaps it may be that the money meant for these payment of operational allowance has been cornered by some people who may want to convert it for personal use, or maybe it has not been paid at all. The issue is not clear to anyone. Mr. President , please the troops who have rendered selfless services are dying in pain and agony not knowing which directions to face urgently seek for your help. Some families have scattered because of this issue, while some contingent member have lost hope over the payment of their operational allowance due to them. Please Mr. President you are the only hope these people have, all the troops need your urgent intervention in this matter. do kindly use your good office to look into this issue sir.
From the Concerned Citizen of
Nigeria
