The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of leaving retired police officers at the mercy of a broken pension system, saying the government has forced them to fight for the dignity and security they earned through years of service.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described it as shameful that officers who put their lives on the line to protect Nigerians are now holding daily protests at the National Pension Commission just to be heard.
He said a government that can deploy police officers to guard the powerful but cannot look after them in retirement has failed them completely.
According to Atiku, the way the administration treats retired officers undermines its claims of tackling insecurity.
“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 statement follows an earlier one by the party on the plight of retired police officers.
Atiku said he was deeply troubled by the protests and had directed his team to meet with the officers and listen to their concerns firsthand.
He also criticised President Tinubu for failing to act on the Police Exit Bill, which, according to the statement, has been on his desk since March.
The ADC candidate condemned what he called the government’s “use and discard” attitude toward officers who spent their careers protecting Nigerians, including political office holders, only to be abandoned when they need support most.
Atiku said his Police Dignity Guarantee Plan would place the welfare and retirement security of law enforcement officers at the heart of his approach to tackling insecurity.
The plan includes quick action on the Police Exit Bill, restoration of gratuity for police officers, and assurance that officers are treated with dignity during service and in retirement.
He also pledged to implement the Police Pension Board Bill within 30 days of taking office.
“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,” Atiku said.
