SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police public relations officer (PPRO) in Lagos State, has provided an explanation as to why Corporal Fauzziyah Isiak, well known on Twitter as Fauzziyah the Honey Seller, was held after resigning from the force.
Isiak had written about her arrest by the police after handing in her resignation on Twitter.
“I never anticipated this. I never imagined that I would be held without being questioned. I merely attempted to resign. Since last year, I’ve been attempting to leave the Police, but my letters have not been accepted. On May 24, my employer had called to tell me to come meet the Deputy Commissioner for an interview.
“I had hoped that they would finally accept my resignation, but all I heard was that I should be held in custody so that I could be tried and fired. I was so shocked that I was unable to speak as the cop led me away,” she claimed.
“Later, I heard that I should have begged and cried but my lack of reaction worsened the situation,” the beekeeper continued. It finally dawned on me, and I called a river. Since yesterday, I have not taken off my clothes or shoes. Not even my sanitary pad can be changed. My migraine is in full swing, and I’m so exhausted that my skull is going to blow up.
“My mother called to say she should come and beg me to keep working, according to the advice she received. I’ve been employed for six years, and I believe it is just to let someone go and help them go if they decide they no longer want to. Since the day I was born, I have always been quite laid-back, so this is a new experience for me. I have always worked for the Nigeria Police in the administrative division—actually, the religion division. Since I really believe that everything should be pursued with passion, I always step away if I feel as though I am not giving a job or vocation my whole focus.
“I really need to get some sleep, but I’m not sure how long I’ll be here.” I might not have lasted until now if the ladies from the provost’s office hadn’t given me some Paracetamol yesterday afternoon. I don’t know how long I’ll be here, but a blanket and sanitary pad would be appreciated. My life is about to end because of the cold. As I sit here all night, mosquito hums may be heard in my ears. I keep approaching them to inquire as to why, when they could have stamped my letter and instructed me on what to do, they chose to hold me down and degrade me instead.
“My phone is about to die. This is an appeal for aid. I wish to return home. Please find me, Fauzziyah Ebunoluwa Isiak,” the frightened policeman added.
The PPRO, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, responded to Isiak’s tweets by outlining the circumstances surrounding her detention.
It is one thing to submit your resignation, he remarked. Receiving your discharge certificate after the application has been processed is a different matter entirely.
You are still a serving member of the Force and are subject to all current rules and regulations of service until you receive your discharge certificate.
Every active member of the police, according to Hundeyin, is aware that if a person misses work for twenty-one days without authorization or leave, they are automatically deemed to have deserted.
“Without leave, permission, or discharge from service, Corporal Fauzziyah Isiak, who holds the position of the Command’s Imam, evaded her responsibilities for more than a month in blatant violation of the military stipulations she voluntarily agreed to.
“She was detained yesterday for this offense against discipline, and today her orderly room trial will begin.
Second, she intentionally misrepresented facts in order to bring the reputation of the force into dishonor; this conduct is unacceptable and constitutes a separate disciplinary offense.
However, Hundeyin said, “she would have a chance to defend herself at the trial, after which a decision will be made.”
He also questioned if the proper procedures were followed in Isiak’s purported resignation.
“She left work without authorization last year at the start of the honey season. She sent in her resignation, which was untenable, when she was reached by phone to inquire about her location.
“Same as last year. After first going AWOL, she submitted a letter of resignation. There must be due process followed.
Her trial has begun, according to a police spokesman, for violating the NPF Social Media Policy and being absent from work for 53 days.
