“You do me ar do you, man nor go vex. You touch me ar touch you, man nor go vex” theory was preached couple of years ago by one of the most popular Nigerian musical icons better known as PSquare.
The theory may have worked or maybe working in the continent’s most populous country but Sierra Leone’s most respectable elderly statesman Bra Parrot has discovered that such theory will never work here in his native country for obvious reasons.
Folks, now I know that wonders indeed never end.
Of course it’s an open secret to Bra Parrot that in this Republic those in authority, the influencers, movers and shakers, the cream de la cream, the halves, you name them are more of a burden to their subjects and downtrodden than saviors.
Can you believe that from last December when a new activity week for police dubbed “Police Wives’ Week” was introduced by PHQ has only been hue and cry among the rank and file of that particular security sector?
When the inquisitive Bird enquired to know the reality of the situation, it was indeed painful to hear testimonies of some the disgruntled officers who of course preferred anonymity otherwise, they risk losing their jobs.
When the so-called Police Wives’ Week was introduced last year, the lower rank officers from Constable to Sergeant were tasked thirty thousand old leones each, from Sub Inspector to DSP, fifty thousand leones and the hierarchy parted with two hundred and fifty thousand.
In fact, this year it’s a different scenario altogether as lower ranks has to part with Le50,000, DSP above Le250,000 and the seniors Le500,000.
According to them the payment is compulsory whether one has to attend or not and whoever fails to comply will not receive his/her rice supply.
“Some of us do not have to benefit in any way,” the disenchanted officers told the Patriotic Bird.
“Don’t tell the Patriotic Bird anything because all what he knows is that this is a naked corruption and most not continue.
The Police Wives as an Association must create avenue to generate funds for their own activities or source it directly from PHQ than forcing the innocent officers to pay which is of no use to them.
Like the welfare fund, this particular activity will only ever be a burden on mainly the junior officers shoulders many of whom are already burdened with huge rents, daily transport fare, lunch for their among others.
So Pls IGP, Bra Parrot is pleading with you to have a rethink…