Police Pension: Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Abandoning Officers, Vows to Pass Exit Bill

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the welfare of retired police officers, accusing his administration of abandoning them to a pension system that has left many struggling to secure their retirement benefits.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, also pledged to ensure the passage of the Police Exit Bill and restore dignity to retired officers if elected president.

In a statement issued on Monday, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described the continued protests by retired police officers at the National Pension Commission (PenCom) as unacceptable.

He said it was disgraceful that officers who risked their lives to protect Nigerians were now compelled to stage daily protests simply to demand the pensions and benefits they were entitled to after years of service.

According to him, a government capable of deploying police personnel to protect public officials and other influential individuals should also ensure their welfare and financial security after retirement.

Atiku argued that the situation raised questions about the Tinubu administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity, noting that officers who dedicate their lives to protecting the country should not be left without adequate retirement protection.

“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 said he was deeply concerned about the protests and had directed members of his team to engage directly with the affected officers to understand their grievances.

He also faulted Tinubu for allegedly failing to act on the Police Exit Bill, which he claimed had remained on the President’s desk since March.

Atiku further condemned what he described as the government’s ‘use and discard’ approach to police personnel, arguing that officers who spent their careers protecting Nigerians and political office holders should not be abandoned when they retire.

As part of his proposed Police Dignity Guarantee Plan, the ADC presidential candidate promised to prioritise the welfare and retirement security of law enforcement personnel.

The proposed plan includes prompt action on the Police Exit Bill, restoration of gratuity for police officers and improved welfare provisions to ensure that serving and retired personnel are treated with dignity.

He also pledged to implement the Police Pension Board Bill within 30 days of assuming office.

Atiku maintained that addressing insecurity must go beyond equipping security agencies and deploying personnel, insisting that the government must also guarantee the welfare of those who serve in the nation’s security institutions.

“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,” he said.

He added that his administration would work towards making Nigeria affordable again while restoring dignity to citizens who had dedicated their lives to national service.

The statement was signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication, African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council.