The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the treatment of retired police officers in Nigeria. He accused the incumbent administration of President Bola Tinubu of abandoning the ex-officers to hardship despite their years of service to the country. Atiku described it as disgraceful that officers who risked their lives protecting Nigerians now have to protest before their legitimate demands can be addressed.
Atiku's criticism follows a series of protests by retired police officers at the National Pension Commission (PenCom) demanding their entitlements and a dignified retirement. He said the officers were being subjected to a broken pension system, forcing them to stage protests to demand their entitlements. Atiku also questioned the Tinubu administration's commitment to tackling insecurity, arguing that the treatment of retired officers exposed the contradiction between its security claims and the welfare of those responsible for enforcing the law.
The ADC presidential candidate directed his team to meet with the affected officers to hear their grievances directly. He also faulted Tinubu for failing to act on the Police Exit Bill, which has remained with the president since March. Atiku condemned what he described as the government's "use and discard" treatment of police officers who spent their careers protecting Nigerians, including political office holders, but were abandoned after retirement.
Atiku proposed a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan to prioritize the welfare and retirement security of law enforcement personnel. The plan includes prompt action on the Police Exit Bill, restoration of gratuity for police officers, and improved welfare conditions during and after service. He also pledged to implement the Police Pension Board Bill within 30 days of assuming office.
According to Atiku, his plan aims to address the challenges faced by retired police officers, including low pension payments. He cited the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly receives a monthly pension of N29,000. Atiku also recounted the case of a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police who allegedly resorted to begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja after failing to secure employment following her retirement.
Atiku urged the National Assembly to publish the Police Exit Bill's formal status, demand an explanation for the delay, and determine the constitutional steps available to address the matter. He called for an open legislative process if a vote becomes necessary, insisting that retired officers should not have to protest before their pension concerns receive attention.
The ADC presidential candidate emphasized that insecurity cannot be defeated while those who protect the country are denied security in retirement. He said his Police Dignity Guarantee Plan will ensure that officers who serve Nigeria are properly supported throughout their careers and are not abandoned when they retire. Atiku's latest statement follows an earlier intervention on October 18, in which he accused Tinubu of abandoning retired police officers to hunger, illness, and humiliation.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu over the treatment of retired police officers, citing a broken pension system and delayed Police Exit Bill.
- The ADC presidential candidate proposes a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan to prioritize the welfare and retirement security of law enforcement personnel.
- Atiku urges the National Assembly to take action on the Police Exit Bill and address the challenges faced by retired police officers.
