Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured retired police officers protesting at the National Assembly over their inclusion in the contributory pension scheme that they will be formally exited from it.
The assurance came during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the retired police officers to Akpabio’s office on Thursday.
Addressing the retirees, Akpabio described the policy as poorly conceived and promised swift legislative action in coordination with the House of Representatives, which had earlier passed a bill addressing the issue.
“The policy, from what you have told us, was not well thought out. Take it that you have to disperse from the gate; that problem, as far as the law is concerned, is over,” he said.
“On Tuesday next week, we will concur with what the House of Representatives has done and produce an act exiting you from the scheme.
”I know that President Bola Tinubu, being a listening president, will sign it into law.”
The Senate President emphasized that the scheme was inappropriate for security personnel, noting that other services such as the military, DSS, and NIA had already exited it.
“You all fought insecurity together. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
”We will ensure that the scheme is uniform from the Inspector-General down to the last constable,” he added.
Akpabio further criticized the government for implementing policies without fully considering their implications, suggesting that such oversight has previously endangered the lives of security personnel.
Responding, Mannir Zaria, leader of the retirees, expressed gratitude to the Senate President for granting them access and expressed optimism that their concerns would be addressed promptly.
The assurance is expected to bring relief to hundreds of retired officers who had raised concerns about the contributory pension scheme, which they argue is unsuitable for law enforcement personnel who have served under challenging conditions.
