More than 30,000 retired police officers across Nigeria have issued a stern appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate signing of the Police Exit Bill into law. The retirees warned that failure to assent to the bill before June 22 could trigger a fresh wave of nationwide peaceful protests.
The ultimatum was issued on Tuesday during a press conference in Akure, the Ondo State capital, led by the National Coordinator of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria (PROF), Chief Superintendent of Police Raphael Irowainu (Rtd).
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved retirees, CSP Irowainu (Rtd) emphasized that the delay in signing the bill has prolonged the financial hardships faced by former officers who dedicated their lives to the security of the nation.
The Police Exit Bill seeks to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), a system the retirees argue has left them with meager monthly payouts that fail to match the economic realities of the country.
”We have served this country meritoriously, often at the risk of our lives. It is disheartening that after retirement, police officers are subjected to a pension scheme that treats them like second-class citizens,” Irowainu stated.
The forum made it clear that their patience is wearing thin. With the June 22 deadline approaching, the retirees noted they have already begun mobilizing their members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a massive, coordinated protest if the President fails to act.
While emphasizing that any potential demonstration would be strictly peaceful, the group stressed that it would be entirely avoidable if the presidency prioritizes their welfare.
They are demanding Immediate Presidential Assent and Exemption from CPS; which is a complete exit of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme to allow for a more robust, independent pension framework.
Demand also includes Parity in Retirement Benefits; equal treatment with other security and intelligence agencies regarding post-service welfare.
As the countdown to June 22 begins, all eyes are now on Aso Rock to see how President Tinubu will respond to the growing discontent among the nation’s veteran law enforcement officers.
