Retired Police Hold Prayers, Urge President Tinubu to Assent Harmonised Police Exit Bill

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers held a special prayer session at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna to express their gratitude to God and the National Assembly for passing the Harmonised Police Exit Bill.

The bill aims to remove retired police officers from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and allow them to return to the Defined Benefit Scheme.

Speaking at the event, Retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mannir M. Lawal, Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter, described the passage of the bill as a long-awaited relief and a product of divine intervention.

He commended the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for their commitment and determination in addressing the plight of police retirees.

The union urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently assent to the bill, citing his track record of supporting police welfare during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Retired CSP Lawal expressed confidence that the President would sign the bill, saying, “Mr President has always shown concern for the welfare of police officers. We believe he will do the right thing once the bill reaches his table.”

The union highlighted the challenges faced by retired police officers under the CPS, including hardship, poverty, and avoidable deaths. Many retirees struggle to meet basic needs, such as feeding their families, accessing medical care, or paying school fees for their children.

The rising cost of living has further exacerbated their situation, leading to increased neglect and premature deaths among members.

The union emphasized that the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) is a more reliable pension system for police retirees. According to Retired CSP Lawal, “The problem was never the Defined Benefit Scheme itself, but poor management in the past.

“A properly managed DBS remains the most reliable pension system for police retirees.” The DBS provides full gratuity based on last salary and a stable monthly pension, which would greatly benefit retired police officers.

The union appealed for swift action, stressing that the bill’s passage into law would mark a major milestone in resolving long-standing welfare challenges faced by retired police officers across the country.

“With all these challenges, we have no option but to once again appeal to Mr President to give urgent assent to this bill and bring lasting relief to police retirees nationwide,” Retired CSP Lawal concluded.