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Over 500 Police Retirees Have Died While Fighting for Retirement Benefits – REPON

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 3rd, 2024.

Over 500 Police Retirees Have Died While Fighting for Retirement Benefits – REPON

Police

The Bauchi State chapter of the Retired Police Officers Association of Nigeria (REPON) has reported that more than 500 of its members have died while fighting for their retirement benefits.

During a recent press conference in Bauchi, the association’s Secretary, retired ASP John Iliya, expressed his frustration over the ongoing delays surrounding a bill submitted to the National Assembly in 2012, which aims to establish a police pension board. He stated, “We can no longer tolerate these empty promises.”

Iliya recounted a protest by the association on May 21, 2024, at the National Assembly, where they received assurances from Senator Ahmed Abdulkadir Mallam Madori, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, that their concerns would be addressed by September 2024. However, as of October 2, 2024, there has been no further communication regarding the situation, particularly for retirees in Bauchi State.

He warned that if their issues remain unresolved, the association may be forced to hold another protest at the National Assembly. A key demand is the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and the establishment of a dedicated Police Pension Board, allowing retirees to manage their pensions independently.

Iliya expressed disappointment that, despite multiple meetings with House committees, the Committee on Police Affairs has yet to take action on their grievances. He also criticized lawmakers for swiftly passing a bill to extend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police without conducting public hearings, while ignoring the retirees’ urgent proposals.

He urged the National Assembly’s Committee on Police Affairs to expedite the bill’s passage to prevent further protests from the association.