Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the treatment of retired police officers, accusing the Federal Government of failing to address longstanding pension concerns.
In a statement attributed to Phrank Shaibu of an African Democratic Congress presidential campaign organization, Atiku said demonstrations by retirees at the National Pension Commission reflected the difficulties former officers faced in securing adequate retirement benefits.
He argued that a country seeking better security must also protect the welfare of officers after they leave service. Atiku said his team would engage with protesting retirees to understand their demands and accused the government of delaying action on legislation relating to police pensions.
The former vice president outlined what he called a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan, including action on a proposed Police Exit Bill, the restoration of gratuity and implementation of a Police Pension Board Bill if elected.
The report does not independently establish Atiku’s official candidacy, the status of the bills or the details of retirees’ entitlements. Those matters require confirmation from electoral records, the National Assembly, PenCom and the police pension authorities.
