The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of abandoning retired police officers to a failing pension system. Retired officers are being forced to protest to demand their retirement benefits. Atiku described the situation as disgraceful, arguing that officers who spent their careers safeguarding lives and property should not be subjected to hardship and humiliation while seeking the pensions and benefits they legitimately earned.
According to Atiku, a government that deploys police officers to protect public officials and other citizens but fails to guarantee their welfare after retirement has failed in its responsibility to them. The continued protests by retired police officers at the National Pension Commission (PenCom) reflect the government’s failure to protect the welfare and dignity of those who served the country. Atiku emphasized that the welfare of security personnel remains critical to the country’s overall security architecture.
Atiku expressed deep concern about the plight of the retired officers and directed his team to meet with them to hear their grievances and understand their demands firsthand. He also faulted Tinubu for allegedly failing to act on the Police Exit Bill, which had remained on the president’s desk since March. The ADC candidate stressed that improving the welfare of law enforcement personnel must form a central part of any credible strategy to combat insecurity.
The treatment of retired officers raises questions about the Tinubu administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity. Atiku asked, “If police officers who served this country must endure humiliation to demand a fair pension, what hope is there for other Nigerians who have spent their working lives in public service?” He condemned what he described as a “use and discard” approach to the treatment of police officers.
Atiku maintained that officers cannot effectively protect the country if their own future remains uncertain. He emphasized that personnel who dedicated their working lives to protecting Nigerians, including political office holders, should not be neglected when they retire. The ADC candidate insisted that the welfare of law enforcement personnel is crucial to the country's security.
The situation has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the welfare of retired police officers. Atiku’s comments reflect a growing debate about the need for improved welfare for security personnel. The issue has significant implications for the country's security and the well-being of those who have served in the police force.
Atiku’s call for improved welfare for retired police officers comes as the country continues to grapple with insecurity. The ADC candidate’s comments are likely to add to the pressure on the Tinubu administration to address the issue. The administration will have to consider Atiku’s criticisms and the concerns of retired police officers as it moves forward.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Bola Tinubu for neglecting retired police officers struggling to access their pensions.
- The ADC candidate describes the situation as disgraceful and argues that officers who spent their careers safeguarding lives and property should not be subjected to hardship and humiliation.
- Atiku emphasizes that improving the welfare of law enforcement personnel must form a central part of any credible strategy to combat insecurity.
