Retired police officers in Nigeria have continued their protest at the National Assembly, specifically accusing the Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, of deliberately delaying the passage of a bill that would exempt them from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
In a circulating video, several retired officers were seen climbing the fence of the National Assembly complex, while others stood outside chanting, “We no dey go o, we no dey go.”
Their spokesperson later explained that they are members of the Retired Police Officers Forum and that they have been attempting to gain access to the building but were blocked by security officials at the gate. He noted that some members managed to enter the premises and were waiting inside for the others to join them. According to him, they insist on going in to meet the Senate President, whom they believe is the one holding back the passage of their bill.
The National Coordinator of the Retired Police Officers Forum, CSP Raphael Irowainu (Rtd), also alleged that top-ranking police officers—from AIG to IGP—have been secretly removed from the CPS without legal approval, while lower-ranking personnel remain trapped in the scheme. This, he said, has created deep resentment and demoralization within the force.
The core demand of the protesting retirees is to be removed from the Contributory Pension Scheme and moved to the old Defined Benefit Scheme—similar to what is enjoyed by the military and intelligence services—which they believe provides a more secure and adequate pension after retirement.
