Sowore leads charge for Police welfare reforms in Abuja

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, alongside the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers, spearheaded a powerful protest in Abuja on Monday, demanding an overhaul of the abysmal welfare and pension conditions plaguing both active and retired police personnel.

A central demand of the demonstration was the immediate exclusion of police officers from the existing Contributory Pension Scheme, which protesters vehemently described as “a death sentence.”

The aggrieved protesters, initially met with resistance at the Force Headquarters, were eventually granted passage and escorted by police officers to the National Assembly complex.

This move marks an escalated effort by retired officers to secure legislative intervention, following what they describe as years of neglect concerning their welfare.

ALSO READ : Court freezes N24.9 Billion accounts of TAK logistics, TAK Agro, Director Thomas Etuh over alleged debt

Placards emblazoned with poignant messages such as “Decent Salaries Now,” “End Police Slavery,” “Pensions for Police Officers,” “Dignity for Those in Uniform,” and “CPS, is, a, death, sentence,” underscored the widespread discontent with the current system.

The organizers emphasized that the protest was a renewed push for their voices to be heard, highlighting the long-standing grievances that have left many police retirees in dire straits.

Further details regarding the protest and any official responses from government bodies are anticipated.