The Police Service Commission (PSC) has described the planned nationwide protest over police retirees’ welfare as ill-timed and diversionary.
It said issues raised by the retirees were already receiving attention from relevant authorities.
Mr Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the planned protest, in spite of consensus on the need to improve retired officers’ conditions, was unnecessary and could distract ongoing efforts.
Ani noted that the PSC Chairman, Mr Hashimu Argungu, had repeatedly condemned the poor and discriminatory pension scheme for certain retired officers.
He said the PSC Chairman had called for a harmonised pension system and continued pushing for reforms to enhance retirees’ welfare.
According to Ani, several government agencies were already reviewing the disparities in the police pension scheme to find lasting solutions.
The PSC urged affected retirees to embrace dialogue and sustained engagement instead of protest or confrontation.
Ani reaffirmed the PSC’s unwavering commitment to improved welfare for all police personnel, both serving and retired.
He advised the organisers of the planned protest to reconsider their approach and return to the negotiation table for peace.
Protest over police retirees’ welfare, calculated attempt to discredit I-G’s achievements – PCRC
Meanwhile, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has dismissed the planned protest by some retired police officers as an attempt to discredit the I-G, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.
PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the proposed protest, disguised as a campaign for the rights of retired police personnel, was ill-timed and aimed at undermining the achievements of the I-G.
“It is a calculated attempt to distract and discredit the commendable progress being made by the I-G and by extension, the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“The PCRC holds in high regard, the integrity, discipline, and patriotism of our retired police officers.
“We believe they possess both the dignity and appropriate channels to express concerns without resorting to opportunistic or politically motivated demonstrations.
“They do not need intermediaries to speak on their behalf,” he said.
Olaniyan said the PCRC at all levels had expressed its support for the I-G over his ongoing efforts to reform, reposition, and professionalise the Nigeria Police Force.
He said, “we categorically distance ourselves from, and condemn in its entirety, the proposed protest being reportedly organised by some individuals and groups purporting to act on behalf of retired police officers.
“As a critical bridge between the Nigeria Police Force and the communities it serves, the PCRC recognises the visible and impactful strides made by the current police leadership.
“These include advances in community policing, intelligence-led crime prevention, and improvements in police welfare, discipline, and accountability,” he said.
He said the I-G had made significant improvement in respect for rule of law and protection of human rights, promotion of transparency and accountability and strengthening of collaboration with other security agencies.
The PCRC chairman said the current police leadership had also, excelled in the strategic deployment of personnel and resources of the force to address security challenges in the country.
Olaniyan enjoined well-meaning Nigerians, civil society groups, and public institutions to support the Nigeria police force and its leadership to better protect lives and property in the country.
He urged the I-G to remain focused and undeterred by the actions of those who seeking to sow discord or erode public confidence.