Umejiaku Chisom
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has pledged to meet with retired police officers who staged a protest in Abuja on Monday, over improved retirement benefits.
This assurance was made by the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, during an engagement with the retirees.
According to him, arrangements have been finalised for the IGP to meet the protesting officers at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, to discuss their demands directly.
First Daily reported that a Human rights activist and presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Omoyele Sowore, led a protest in the FCT calling for better salaries, welfare packages, and pensions for serving and retired police officers in Nigeria.
The protest, which drew several civil society groups and concerned citizens, began at the Unity Fountain and proceeded toward the National Assembly complex under heavy security presence.
Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Pay Police What They Deserve” and “Retired Officers Deserve Dignity, Not Suffering.”
The retirees, many of whom have lamented poor pensions and unpaid entitlements, have so far maintained a peaceful demonstration.
The Nigeria Police Force urged the protesters to stay calm and law-abiding, emphasising that the IGP remains committed to addressing their grievances.
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Again, Sowore Leads Protest Demanding Improved Pay, Pensions for Serving, Retired Officers
The Police reiterated that genuine stakeholders among the retirees should focus on the peaceful resolution process already underway rather than allow disruptive elements to derail their cause.
The statement read in part, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 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.
“However, 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.”