Retired police officers are demanding justice, fair pay, and their pensions!
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
Retired police officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Taraba State staged peaceful demonstrations on Monday to protest the inadequate welfare conditions affecting both serving and retired members of the Nigeria Police Force.
In Abuja, the protest was supported by Omoyele Sowore, Convener of the Revolution Now Movement, who joined the retirees in urging the Federal Government to address their grievances.
The retirees voiced frustration over long-standing issues, including unpaid pensions and the neglect of officers who dedicated years of service to the nation.
“The government must acknowledge the sacrifices of police officers and prioritize their welfare immediately,” Sowore declared during the protest.
The group vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are addressed.
In Jalingo, Taraba State’s capital, retirees marched with placards bearing messages such as “Exit the deadly Police Contributory Pension Scheme now,” “Abolish the police pension scheme,” and “Pay our full gratuity.”
Their demands included a complete withdrawal from the controversial Police Contributory Pension Scheme.
It would be recalled that on Sunday, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun directed all Commissioners of Police nationwide, including in the FCT, to ensure maximum security for the planned protests.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, emphasized, “The IGP has mandated that the rights of our retired officers to protest peacefully must be safeguarded, setting an example for dignified grievance expression.”
He also warned against spreading misinformation about the nationwide demonstrations.
