CITIZENS COMPASS—Many retired police officers on Monday, protested what they described as the poor payment of their retired benefits by the Nigeria Police Force.
The protest was held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
They lamented that they are paid only 25% of the money deducted from their salaries while they were serving for 35 years.
“I’m here to fight for my right,” said Danjuma, a retired officer.
“Retired police officers are neglected, we are suffering. Out of my sweat, they hijacked it and refused to give us what is due. They give me N30,000 every month and said I should not talk.”
The protesters expressed frustration with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whom they accused of convincing the National Assembly to ignore their plight.
“We have gone there many times, and all we are hearing from the National Assembly is lies,” Danjuma said.
“A Senator from Uyo promised to help us in September last year, and up till today, nothing has been done. Where are we heading to? Please do something, we are dying.”
Another retired officer, DSP Lawrence Adekwu, condemned the police authorities for treating the rank and file like slaves.
“You can’t use rank and file as slaves,” he said. “A serving police officer who served for 35 years, what they are giving you at the end of your retirement is what you contributed. When they are talking about gratuity, it’s not like the government is giving you anything, no. It’s the money you contributed when you are in service, and after retirement, they are giving you 25% of what you contributed.”
Adekwu cited the example of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police who collected N2.1million in gratuity after 35 years of service, while a retired driver in the judiciary collected N8 million.
“So when the IGP is saying that they’re proposing 100% for certain ranks, a constable and a corporal do not collect the same salary,” Adekwu said.
“Saying that you are giving a corporal 100% of his salary at the end of the year and the constable 100% is still not the same. It’s because of their selfish interest. They only want to dominate the junior staff.”
The retired officers demanded better treatment and a review of their retirement benefits, calling on the authorities to address their grievances.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has met with the protesters.
The meeting was held at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
—Sahara Reporters
