By Oluwakemi Kindness
A coalition of retired senior police officers has distanced itself from an ultimatum reportedly issued to President Bola Tinubu over the proposed Police Exit Bill, declaring that it does not support threats of nationwide protests and remains committed to dialogue with government authorities.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, retired Commissioner of Police John D. Amadi, and General Secretary, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Umege Uzochukwu, the Retired Senior Police Officers Platform says a group led by retired Chief Superintendent of Police Raphael Irowainu does not represent the collective position of retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The platform was reacting to recent media reports and press conferences in which the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria reportedly issued an 11-day ultimatum to the President to assent to the Police Exit Bill or face nationwide protests.
The senior retired officers described the ultimatum as unrepresentative and capable of undermining ongoing engagements with government and relevant institutions aimed at addressing the welfare concerns of retired police personnel.
According to the platform, it has for more than a decade led discussions with successive administrations on pension-related challenges affecting retired police officers.
It noted that structured negotiations are currently underway with the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders following the reported withholding of presidential assent to the Police Exit Bill.
The group emphasized that while it shares concerns over the welfare challenges facing retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, such issues should be addressed through constructive engagement, lawful negotiation, and institutional processes rather than confrontational tactics.
The statement further disclosed that PENCOM had initiated discussions with police authorities and retiree representatives to explore reforms within the existing pension framework that could substantially improve the welfare of retired officers.
The platform urged retired police officers across the country to remain calm, law-abiding, and united while ongoing negotiations continue. It also advised the public, media organizations, government institutions, and security agencies to disregard any claims suggesting that the ultimatum reflects the position of all retired police officers.
The development highlights growing divisions within the community of retired police personnel over the best approach to securing pension reforms, even as stakeholders continue to seek lasting solutions to long-standing welfare concerns in the police retirement system.
