Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, will meet with retired police officers who staged a protest in Abuja over their inclusion in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
Gatekeepers News reports that according to the police, the meeting is scheduled to be held at the Peacekeeping Hall of the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Despite it raining on Monday, a group of retired officers, mostly elderly, gathered at National Assembly. They held placards and chanted in protest against the CPS. Some of them also took their demonstration to the Force Headquarters.
During the protest, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, addressed the retirees and informed them of the planned meeting with the Inspector-General.
However, the police expressed concern that certain individuals with hidden agendas were attempting to hijack the peaceful demonstration and discourage the retirees from engaging in dialogue.
The statement reads, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed his commitment to personally address the retired police officers currently protesting for improved retirement benefits.”
“This assurance was conveyed through the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, who met with the retirees and informed them that arrangements have been made for the IGP to meet with them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”
“However, the peaceful nature of the protest has come under threat as certain individuals with ulterior motives have attempted to hijack the movement.”
“These elements are dissuading the retirees from embracing dialogue and are instead pushing for confrontation and disorder.”
“The Nigeria Police Force urges all genuine stakeholders among the retirees to remain calm, law-abiding, and receptive to the peaceful resolution process already initiated.”
“The IGP remains committed to engaging with them constructively and addressing their legitimate concerns with dignity and respect.”
