Photo: Police officer gets reinstated & promoted by the Senate after 21yrs suspension

Following a petition presented by Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) on behalf of one of his constituents, Sgt. Amos Olaniyan on October 6, 2015, the Senate has ordered the reinstatement, promotion and payment of all dues to Sgt Olaniyan, who was verbally suspended from the Nigerian Police Force 21 years ago.

This follows the consideration and adoption of recommendations of the Report of the Senator Sam Anyanwu-led Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition that investigated the suspension of Sgt. Olaniyan from the Force.

The Senate adopted the two recommendations of the committee namely: “That the officer, Sergeant Amos Olaniyan, be fully re-integrated into the Police Force with a letter of reinstatement and apology” and “That all his dues including promotions and entitlements be fully granted and paid” Senator Adeola while presenting the petition earlier stated that Sgt. Olaniyan was verbally suspended in 1994 on a baseless allegation of bribery which, an Orderly Room Trial discharged and acquitted him but the Police refused to recall him back even as he had his Police ID card and Uniform.

Reacting to the findings and resolution of the Senate, Senator Adeola expressed joy that at last justice has been done to his constituent, who had suffered for 21 years without any redress adding that he will always fight for the interest of all his constituents and the people of Nigeria. “I was greatly disturbed when I saw his petition as I did not believe this could happen to any citizen of Nigeria. This was after he had written petitions to previous Inspector Generals of Police and the Police Service Commission and even late President Umaru Yar’adua to no avail,” the senator stated.

He said he was happy for the family of Sgt. Olaniyan who had endure severe hardship and deprivation on the loss of employment by the breadwinner adding that he will continue to work for his constituents who may have similar cases.

Speaking on the issue, Senate President Bukola Saraki, stated that citizens of Nigeria that cannot afford legal fees to seek redress should have recourse to the Senate adding that the Senate Police Affairs Committee should ensure compliance with the resolution and other similar resolutions and report back to the Senate in two weeks.