Some retired officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday scaled the gates of the National Assembly to press for urgent action on a bill that would allow them to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The retirees, popularly referred to as “warrior retirees,” were demanding a meeting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing the upper chamber of deliberately delaying the passage of the legislation.
Security personnel had locked the National Assembly gates, prompting the retirees to attempt to climb over in protest.
High Chief Onyeike Chukwuma, a retired superintendent of police, described the CPS as “genocidal” and said it was unfair for police retirees to remain tied to the profit-oriented scheme after risking their lives to defend the nation.
“No country in the world subjects its police retirees to the whims of a selfish and profit-driven scheme after years of hazardous service,” Chukwuma told PLATFORM TIMES.
He added that even Chile, where Nigeria modeled the CPS, protects the welfare of retired officers.
The retirees said all requirements for the bill’s passage had been met and lamented that while the House of Representatives had responded to their requests, the Senate remained unresponsive.
“How do we get in? We won’t leave,” one retiree said. “We need to see the Senate President. He is the one holding us back. The House has acted; only the Senate remains.”
Chants and protests continued as the retirees vowed to maintain their demonstration until the Senate acted decisively.
They warned that further delay would constitute a grave injustice against officers who had served under extreme conditions.
Public hearings conducted by both the 9th and 10th National Assemblies reportedly supported the measure, which mirrors earlier exits from the CPS by the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The National Assembly is yet to issue a statement on the incident
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
