Senate Pledges Swift Removal of Police Retirees From Contributory Pension Scheme

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has given assurance to protesting police retirees who have been maintaining a vigil at the National Assembly gate over their inclusion in the Contributory Pension Scheme, declaring that their challenge has been resolved.

He informed the leadership of the retirees that the matter would receive accelerated consideration and alignment with the position of the House of Representatives, which had earlier passed the relevant bill.

Akpabio made the commitment on Thursday when he received the executives of the retired police officers during a courtesy visit to his office.

In a statement released by Jackson Udom, Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President, Akpabio stated that “the policy, from what you have told us, was not well thought out. But 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. I know that President Bola Tinubu, being a listening President, would sign it into law. The Scheme is certainly not good for the security personnel.

“If the Military, DSS, NIA and others had exited, I see no reason why the Police should remain while those in the echelon of the service are out of it. You all fought insecurity together. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander. We will ensure that the Scheme is the same from the IG down to the last Constable.

“Sometimes our country is fantastic in copying policies and not thinking out the implications if implemented, and if that was done, many of you wouldn’t have died. We always compare oranges with apples.”

The leader of the retirees, CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria, earlier thanked the Senate President for granting them audience in his office, noting that they were optimistic that their grievances would be addressed promptly.

In his vote of thanks, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele appreciated the Senate President for showing immediate concern for the plight of the retirees.