Atiku tackles Tinubu over Police Exit Bill
Atiku Abubakar Criticizes President Tinubu Over Police Welfare Delays
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain the lack of action on the Police Exit Bill, asserting that current police officers are withdrawing from their pension funds to support their families, while retired officers struggle with insufficient pensions.
Atiku’s comments highlight the urgent need for improvements in police welfare, including a salary review and resolutions concerning pension issues faced by retirees. This plea comes in the wake of a recent pay increase granted to members of the Armed Forces.
In a statement released on October 18 by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku detailed the challenges faced by retired police officers. He cited cases of former officers who have resorted to menial jobs or begging for alms after years of service.
“Men and women who answered Nigeria’s call for decades are now waiting outside its legislature for Nigeria to answer theirs. Bola Tinubu should be ashamed that it has come to this,” Atiku stated.
Atiku mentioned the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police whose monthly pension is ₦29,000, noting that over 120 members of his association have died in the past three years due to financial difficulties. He also shared the story of a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police who has turned to begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja after being unable to secure employment.
“No former officer should have to be discovered in distress before Nigeria remembers what it owes her,” he added.
In another instance, Atiku recounted that a retired officer in Bauchi has been gathering firewood to sell for food, while some active police personnel have reportedly withdrawn 25 percent of their pension savings to meet basic family needs.
“We ask them to risk their lives for Nigeria while they wonder how to feed their families and whether their country will stand by them when their service ends. That is a disgrace,” he said.
Regarding the Police Exit Bill, Atiku noted that the legislation was submitted to President Tinubu in March but has yet to receive a response as of October. He referenced Section 58 of the Constitution, which requires the President to act within 30 days on bills presented for assent and questioned the delay.
“Bola, a bill gathering dust cannot buy food or medicine. Tell Nigerians what you have done with it,” Atiku remarked.
He urged the National Assembly to provide an update on the bill’s status, seek an explanation for the delay, and explore constitutional measures to address the situation.
Looking ahead, Atiku pledged that, if elected president in 2027, he would implement a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan aimed at settling verified pension arrears and gratuity claims. His proposal includes establishing a pension floor, offering healthcare coverage for serving and retired officers, and ensuring timely support for the families of personnel killed in the line of duty.
Atiku’s plan also emphasizes a comprehensive review of police salaries, clearer documentation of pension contributions, and publicly available payment schedules to enhance accountability.
“We will provide for the Guarantee in the budget and publish what has been paid,” he stated.
