Retired Policemen Protest Unpaid Entitlements At Aso Rock Vicinity In Abuja

A group of retired police officers, on Monday, staged a protest near the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, demanding the payment of their entitlements under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)

The retirees arrived at the vicinity seat of power in the early hours of the day, carrying placards and chanting solidarity slogans, calling on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in their situation.

In a dramatic turn during the protest, some of the demonstrators laid on the road while others poured water on themselves and used cardboard as makeshift fans, a gesture to express their frustration over years of unresolved grievances.

One of the protesting officers, simply identified as ASP John, told journalists that their agitation stemmed from repeated delays in the signing of key bills meant to address their welfare.

“One thing that is vital in the process of making and amending law is through the National Assembly. Three bills have so far been debated on and sent to President Buhari, but he could not sign. We were told it was taken to President Tinubu, but he refused to sign because it was not enacted during his time. So why should this continue? Why won’t they sign despite following the proper lawful channel? That is why we are here at the gate so the President can hear us. If we can’t follow due process, what other means should we follow?” he said.

The protesters also chanted songs of lamentation, including “Retired police dey work, woho they come they chop?” while others repeatedly shouted, “President Tinubu, sign our bill.”

Despite efforts by security personnel stationed at the aso Rock Presidential Villa entrance to disperse them, the retirees insisted on continuing their demonstration and refused to leave the area.

Earlier, before the commencement of the protest, the chairman of Police Retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, Mannir Lawal, noted that the action followed extensive internal consultations and unresolved engagements with relevant authorities.

He explained that April 20 was chosen after giving the police leadership sufficient time to respond to their demands, adding that the retirees were left with no option but to resume street protests after what he described as repeated disappointments.