The Nigeria Police Force has decried an alleged attempts by certain individuals to hijack the ongoing peaceful protest by retired police officers demanding improved retirement benefits.
In the early hours of Monday, the police protesters led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore went to protest at the national assembly.
Later, they left the National Assembly to block the entrance gate of the Force headquarters rejecting pleas to vacate the police premises.
A retired Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Manir Lawal (retd.) who spoke during the protest demanded that the government exits police retirees from the pension scheme, which he described as exploitative and unjust.
He said; “We are here to ask the government to remove us from the CPS. The pension scheme is exploitative and unjust.
“I am 67 years old. Many of us here are in our 60s and 70s. We have served this country faithfully and deserve to retire in dignity. This scheme has impoverished us. It is our right to demand better.”
While the protest rocked, security men guarded the scene while the elderly retired police Officers protested the rain.
The protesters bore placards with different inscriptions demanding a raise in police salary and for retired officers to be removed from the CPS.
However, the force in an X post a few hours later has raised an alarm stating that the peaceful nature of the protest was under threats as some individuals hijacked the protest for unknown reasons.
The statement read; “The peaceful nature of the protest has come under threat as certain individuals with ulterior motives have attempted to hijack the movement. These elements are dissuading the retirees from embracing dialogue and are instead pushing for confrontation and disorder.
“The Nigeria Police Force urges all genuine stakeholders among the retirees to remain calm, law-abiding, and receptive to the peaceful resolution process already initiated. The IGP remains committed to engaging with them constructively and addressing their legitimate concerns with dignity and respect.
“The Inspector-General of Police has expressed his commitment to personally address the retired police officers currently protesting for improved retirement benefits. This assurance was conveyed through the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, who met with the retirees and informed them that arrangements have been made for the IGP to meet with them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”
