For several weeks, the retirees have maintained a peaceful protest at the Mopol Gate of the National Assembly, sleeping in makeshift tents to draw attention to their grievances.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, gave the assurance on Thursday while meeting with representatives of the retirees in his office. He stated that the Senate would expedite action to align with the House of Representatives, which had already passed a bill to remove police retirees from the scheme.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Senator Akpabio described the policy as poorly conceived based on information presented by the retirees.
“Take it that you have to disperse from the gate. That problem, as far as the law is concerned, is over. On Tuesday next week, we will concur with what the House of Representatives has done and produce an Act exiting you from the Scheme. President Bola Tinubu, being a listening leader, will surely sign it into law,” Akpabio assured.
He argued that if other security agencies—including the military, DSS, and NIA—have been exempted from the scheme, the police should not be left behind.
“You fought insecurity together. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. We will ensure the Scheme is uniform from the Inspector General down to the last constable,” he added.
CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria, who led the delegation of retirees, thanked the Senate President for granting them audience and expressed optimism that their demands would soon be met.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also commended Akpabio for his quick intervention and compassion toward the plight of the former officers.
