IGP Egbetokun meets protesting retirees, refutes blocking exit from CPS

…. cautions them against being used by external actors with ulterior motives

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under his watch to address the plight of retired officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Addressing the aggrieved former officers at the Force Headquarters in the nation’s capital, Abuja, on Monday, Egbetokun expressed empathy for their situation, stating that the issue of poor retirement benefits was a concern for serving officers as well.

IGP Egbetokun revealed that he had just come from a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, where the welfare of retired police officers was also discussed.

The IGP, however, cautioned the retirees against being used by external actors with ulterior motives.

On the demand for the police to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme, he clarified his stance on the matter, insisting he is not opposed to the idea.

He said, “We all feel concerned. We empathise with you because we are also going to retire. I have been engaging at the highest level to ensure that something is done to improve the condition of the poor pensioner.

“Even right now, I was just coming from a meeting with the NSA. The subject matter is the poor pension of retired officers. There are things that we need to do to ensure that your suffering in retirement is alleviated.

“There are a number of things that we have done, steps that I have been taking, the details of which I would not like to disclose with the press present. But I just want to assure you that we empathise with you and we are not just folding our arms. We are doing a lot to ensure that something is done.

“Don’t allow the enemies of the police to use you. Be suspicious of those who pretend to be on your side. They may not mean well for you.

“I am not opposed to your exit from the CPS. I’m not opposed to it. If exiting from CPS will solve the problem, I will go for it. But if it is difficult for us to exit CPS, what else can we do? We have been agitating exit of CPS. For the past 11 years, it has not worked.”

IGP Egbetokun also stated that while past administrations have made efforts to pull the police out of the CPS, the process has proven to be beyond the powers of any individual Inspector-General.

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