Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu over the welfare of retired police officers, saying a former Assistant Commissioner of Police was found begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja.
Atiku said one of his media managers recognised the retired officer and brought her plight to his attention, prompting an intervention.
He accused the administration of abandoning police retirees to hunger, illness and humiliation, while demanding an urgent salary review for serving officers and an answer on the Police Exit Bill.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the retired ACP had previously sought work and indicated that she was willing to clean to survive.
‘I am relieved that we could help her. But what if my staff member had not recognised her? How many other retired officers are in the same position, with no one to call?’ he asked.
‘Our intervention could help one woman in that moment. It could not give her the secure retirement she earned.’
Atiku also recounted a conversation with a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who said his monthly pension was N29,000.
According to him, the retiree disclosed that more than 120 members of his association had died in the past three years.
‘Bola, sit with these officers. Look them in the eye. Tell them how you expect them to live,’ Atiku said.
He said the same retiree had seen a former colleague gathering firewood for sale in Bauchi to raise money for food.
The former vice-president alleged that some serving police officers had withdrawn 25 per cent of their pension savings to feed their children as rising food, transport and medical costs overwhelmed their salaries.
‘Their pay cannot sustain them today, so they are spending the money meant to protect them tomorrow,’ he said.
Atiku demanded a police salary review following the pay increase approved for members of the Armed Forces.
He also criticised the handling of the Police Exit Bill, which he said was sent to Tinubu in March but remained without a publicly communicated decision in October.
Citing Section 58 of the Constitution, Atiku said the President had 30 days to signify assent or withhold it.
‘The Police Exit Bill was sent to Bola in March. It is now October,’ he said.
‘Bola, a bill gathering dust cannot buy food or medicine. Tell Nigerians what you have done with it.’
He urged the National Assembly to publish the bill’s formal status, demand an explanation for the delay and determine the constitutional steps available.
Atiku said retired officers had protested outside the National Assembly with their wives and children, seeking action on their pensions.
‘Bola Tinubu should be ashamed that it has come to this,’ he said.
Outlining his proposed Police Dignity Guarantee Plan, Atiku pledged to audit and settle verified pension arrears and gratuity claims if elected, with published payment dates.
He also promised a pension floor subject to review as living costs change, insured healthcare for serving and retired officers, and timely support for families of personnel killed in service.
Other proposals included home verification for retirees unable to travel because of illness, clearer records of contributions and entitlements, and designated contacts to resolve payment disputes.
‘Those who protect this country must be able to protect their families. And when their service ends, Nigeria must keep its word to them,’ he said.