Atiku raises concern over welfare of retired Police officers

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the welfare of retired police officers and called for urgent action on their pensions and the welfare of serving officers.

Reacting on Sunday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said many retired officers are facing hardship.

Atiku cited cases of retired officers receiving low pensions, including a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly receives N29,000 monthly pension, and said over 120 members of an association of retired officers have died in the last three years.

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The ADC presidential candidate also mentioned a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police who was found in difficult circumstances after retirement, and a retired officer in Bauchi seen gathering firewood to sell.

Atiku said some serving officers have withdrawn 25 percent of their pension savings due to rising cost of living.

He called attention to the Police Exit Bill sent to President Bola Tinubu in March and asked for clarity on its status, noting that retired officers recently gathered at the National Assembly to seek action on the bill.

He urged the National Assembly to publish the formal status of the bill and take necessary constitutional steps.

Atiku said if elected in 2027, his Police Dignity Guarantee Plan would include auditing and settling verified pension arrears and gratuity claims, establishing a pension floor reviewed in line with cost of living, and providing insured healthcare for officers in service and retirement.

The plan, according to him, would also cover timely support for families of officers killed in service, home verification for sick officers unable to travel, review of police pay, provision of clear records of contributions and entitlements before retirement, and publication of payments in the budget.