Activist Omoyele Sowore at the retired police pension protest in Abuja…Photo Credit: Olukayode Jaiyeola

Human rights activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday led a protest alongside retired police officers to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding urgent pension reforms and improved welfare for both serving and retired personnel.

The demonstration, held in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers, focused on the removal of police officers from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which the protesters described as exploitative and unsustainable.

The aggrieved retirees, who were initially barred from entering the Force Headquarters, were later escorted by security operatives as they proceeded to the National Assembly complex to further press home their demands.

Carrying placards with bold inscriptions such as “Decent Salaries Now,” “End Police Slavery,” “Pensions for Police Officers,” “Dignity for Those in Uniform,” and “CPS is a Death Sentence,” the demonstrators decried the current pension system, calling it unjust, dehumanising, and detrimental to the wellbeing of police retirees.

The retired officers have vowed to continue their advocacy and legislative engagement until tangible actions are taken by the Federal Government to address their long-standing grievances.