Get Guardian on GoogleFormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the continued protests by retired police officers demanding improved pension benefits, accusing the Federal Government of abandoning officers who risked their lives in the service of the country.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, described the situation as disgraceful, saying officers who spent their careers protecting Nigerians should not be subjected to protests and public appeals before their retirement entitlements are addressed.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said it was unacceptable that retired police officers had been forced to stage daily protests at the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to press for their legitimate demands.
He accused the Tinubu administration of failing to protect the welfare of officers after retirement, despite relying on their services to provide security for the country and its political leaders.
According to him, a government that deploys police officers to protect powerful individuals but fails to guarantee their financial security after retirement has failed in its responsibility to them.
Atiku said the plight of the retired officers also raised questions about the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing insecurity, arguing that the welfare of security personnel should remain a priority in any meaningful effort to improve national security.
“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 asked.
The former vice president expressed concern over the officers’ protests, disclosing that he had directed his team to meet with them and listen to their grievances firsthand.
He also faulted Tinubu for failing to take action on the Police Exit Bill, which he said had remained on the President’s desk since March.
Atiku condemned what he described as the government’s ‘use and discard’ approach to police officers, noting that many of them had spent years protecting Nigerians, including political office holders, only to be left without adequate support after retirement.
To address the situation, the ADC presidential candidate said his proposed Police Dignity Guarantee Plan would prioritise the welfare, financial security and retirement benefits of law enforcement personnel as part of a broader strategy to tackle insecurity.
He said the plan would include prompt action on the Police Exit Bill, restoration of gratuity for police officers and measures to ensure that serving and retired personnel receive the dignity and support they deserve.
Atiku also pledged to implement the Police Pension Board Bill within 30 days of assuming office, if elected president.
He maintained that the country’s security challenges could not be effectively addressed while officers responsible for protecting citizens remained uncertain about their welfare after years of service.
“Insecurity cannot be defeated while those who protect the country are denied security in retirement. My Police Dignity Guarantee Plan will ensure that officers who serve Nigeria are properly supported throughout their careers and are not abandoned when they retire. We will make Nigeria affordable again and restore dignity to those who have spent their lives serving it,” he said.
