Retired Police officers protest pension scheme at N’Assembly

In a powerful display of resilience and frustration, a group of retired police officers on Monday staged a protest under the rain at the entrance gate of the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The demonstrators, many of whom are elderly ex-personnel, held placards and chanted solidarity songs while soaked in the rain, decrying years of neglect and calling for justice in their post-service welfare.

Speaking at the protest, retired Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Manir Lawal (retd.), described the CPS as exploitative and unjust. He urged the federal government to take immediate action and exempt police retirees from the scheme.

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“We are here to ask the government to remove us from the CPS. The pension scheme is exploitative and unjust,” Lawal declared. “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.”

Despite the unfavourable weather, the retirees stood their ground, insisting they would not leave until the leadership of the National Assembly addressed their grievances.

Security operatives were present at the scene, closely monitoring the protest to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.

Punch.