Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the continued protests by retired police officers demanding improved pension benefits.
Atiku described the situation as unacceptable, arguing that officers who spent their careers protecting the country should not have to stage public demonstrations to secure their retirement entitlements.
His position was contained in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council.
The former vice president questioned why retired officers had been compelled to organise daily protests at the National Pension Commission to press for what he described as legitimate demands.
He accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately protect the welfare of police personnel after retirement, despite depending on their services to maintain security across the country.
Atiku asked what confidence other public servants could have in the system if retired police officers were forced to protest before their pension concerns received attention.
He also criticised the President over the Police Exit Bill, which he claimed had remained on Tinubu’s desk since March without action.
To address the concerns, Atiku said his proposed Police Dignity Guarantee Plan would prioritise the welfare, financial security and retirement benefits of law enforcement personnel.
He further pledged that, if elected president, he would implement the Police Pension Board Bill within 30 days of assuming office.
Atiku argued that the welfare of security personnel should remain an important part of the country’s efforts to address insecurity, maintaining that officers responsible for protecting citizens also deserved financial security after leaving active service.
His comments come amid continuing demands by retired police officers for changes to the pension arrangements governing their retirement benefits.
Deborah Adeyefa
