Boluwatife Olatunbosun
Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Neglecting Retired Police Officers
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu over the continued protests by retired police officers seeking improved pension benefits, accusing the Federal Government of neglecting personnel who dedicated their careers to protecting Nigerians.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, described the situation as disgraceful, arguing that retired officers should not have to stage protests and make public appeals before receiving their entitlements.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the officers had been forced to hold daily protests at the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to press for their demands.
He accused the Tinubu administration of failing to protect the welfare of police officers after retirement, despite relying on them to provide security for citizens and political leaders.
According to him, a government that depends on police officers to protect public officials but fails to secure their financial future after retirement has failed in its responsibility to them.
Atiku also linked the pension crisis to Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that the welfare of security personnel must be prioritised in efforts to tackle insecurity.
“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 disclosed that he had directed his team to meet with the protesting officers and listen to their grievances.
He also criticised Tinubu for failing to act on the Police Exit Bill, which he said had remained on the President’s desk since March.
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Atiku condemned what he described as a ‘use and discard’ approach to police personnel, noting that many officers had spent years protecting Nigerians but were left without adequate support after retirement.
To address the situation, he proposed a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan, which he said would focus on the welfare, financial security and retirement benefits of law enforcement personnel.
The plan, according to him, would include prompt action on the Police Exit Bill, restoration of gratuity for police officers and improved support for serving and retired personnel.
Atiku also pledged to implement the Police Pension Board Bill within 30 days of assuming office if elected president.
He maintained that Nigeria could not effectively tackle insecurity while officers responsible for protecting citizens remained uncertain about their welfare after retirement.
“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.
