Sowore Leads Retired Police Officers Protest In Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

True to their threat, retired police officers took to the streets of Abuja on Monday in a peaceful protest to draw attention to the poor welfare conditions of serving and retired members of the Nigeria Police Force.

The protest was led by the Convener of the Revolution Now Movement, Omoyele Sowore. He joined the retirees to demand urgent intervention from the Federal Government.

Early report monitored on Channels Television stated that they expressed displeasure over what they described as years of neglect, non-payment of pensions, and poor treatment of officers who had served the nation diligently.

Sowore, speaking during the protest, called on the Government to recognise the sacrifices made by Police Officers and ensure that their welfare was prioritised.

The protesters also warned that if the government failed to respond promptly, they would sustain their action until their demands are met.

In Taraba State, the retirees staged a protest with banners and placards in Jalingo, the State capital.

Among other demands, they called for an exit from the Police Contributory Pension Scheme.

The inscriptions on some of the placards read, ‘We demand total exit from the deadly Police Contributory Pension Scheme,’ Scrap police contribution pension scheme,’ and ‘We need our full gratuity’.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had on Sunday directed all Commissioners of Police across the country and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to provide maximum security for the planned peaceful protest by retired police officers.

Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement.

He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation surrounding the protests scheduled to be held nationwide on Monday.

“The IGP has ordered that the rights of our retired officers who have chosen to protest must be protected, and the protest should serve as a model of dignified expression of grievance,” the Force spokesman said.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) had also advised against the protest.

PCRC stated that “We categorically distance ourselves from, and condemn in its entirety, the proposed protest being reportedly organised by Mr. Omoyele Sowore or any other group purporting to act on behalf of retired police officers.

“As a critical bridge between the Nigeria Police Force and the communities it serves, the PCRC recognises the visible and impactful strides made under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun.”