RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS TO STAGE NATIONWIDE PROTEST JULY 21 OVER PENSION CRISIS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Union of Retired Police Officers has announced plans to stage a nationwide demonstration on July 21, 2025, in protest of the unresolved pension issues confronting retired police personnel under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The planned demonstration, which the group has dubbed the “Mother of All Peaceful Protests,” will take place simultaneously across all 36 states of the federation.

In a joint statement issued after the union’s monthly meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna, the Chairman, Mannir M. Zaria, and Vice Chairman, Danlami Maigamo, said the protest aims to demand the exit of the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS, which they say has brought severe economic hardship, financial embarrassment, and a surge in depression and deaths among retirees.

“We have no option but to embark on another peaceful protest,” the union declared, maintaining that the demonstration will be peaceful and non-violent, in line with their commitment to lawful advocacy.

The union recalled its earlier protest held from February 24 to March 3, 2025, at the National Assembly, where petitions were submitted to the Senate and House committee chairmen and the Department of State Services. However, the retirees expressed disappointment over what they described as complete silence from the National Assembly, especially regarding the outcome of the public hearing on the Police Pension Board Bill held on November 19, 2024.

The retired officers reaffirmed their demand for the establishment of an independent Police Pension Board, which they insist is the only practical solution to what they called the “systemic injustice” inherent in the current pension system.

They also distanced themselves from any violent agitators, emphasizing that their struggle is rooted in justice, dignity, and welfare for all retired members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The silence from the authorities is deafening, but we remain committed to lawful engagement until our voices are heard,” the statement concluded.