Tension in Abuja as Sowore, Retired Police Officers Stage Protest Over Welfare

Tension is building in Abuja as Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and other activists plan to stage a protest today, Monday, demanding improved welfare for officers of the Nigeria Police Force. Simultaneously, retired police officers under the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers will hold a picket at both the National Assembly complex and the Force Headquarters. Their protest is aimed at pressing for an exit from the contributory pension scheme, which they have described as unfair and discriminatory.

According to the union, the government has failed to address their repeated calls for reform, forcing them to take to the streets. The chairman of the union, Mannir M. Lawal, told News360 Nigeria that members from all 36 states have gathered in Abuja for what he called the “mother of all peaceful protests.” He said, “Nothing is going to stop the protest. We have just met with the FCT Commissioner of Police. We have informed him of our intention. We just want to be removed from the contributory pension scheme. We want all our savings to be refunded to us with immediate effect.”

Contrary to reports suggesting that Sowore and other activists organized the protest to tarnish the image of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Lawal clarified that the union solely planned the demonstration. “We only saw Sowore’s own on social media. We are not aware of his planned protest before today,” he said.

The Nigeria Police Force, through its spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, accused certain individuals of politicizing a sensitive welfare matter and “weaponizing the legitimate grievances of retired officers for ulterior motives.” Adejobi said, “Their intent is not reform, but disruption,” alleging that these actors are twisting facts, inflaming public sentiment, and sowing distrust. He, however, reaffirmed that the police remain focused on addressing welfare issues.

Meanwhile, IGP Egbetokun has directed police commissioners to ensure protesters are protected. A leaked memo seen by News360 Nigeria on Sunday night directed some officers in Abuja to remain in their barracks until further notice.

In response, Sowore insisted there would be no retreat. He accused the Police Force and the administration of President Bola Tinubu of neglecting officers. “You humiliated them in service and in retirement. Now you’re scrambling, issuing statements, summoning spin doctors, locking officers in barracks, trying to explain away decades of injustice,” he wrote on social media.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has appealed to the retirees to return to negotiations, warning that the planned protest could discredit the IGP.