Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Abandoning Retired Police Officers, Unveils Welfare Plan

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of abandoning retired police officers to poverty, hunger and inadequate healthcare, promising to introduce a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan if elected president in 2027.

Atiku also called for an urgent review of salaries for serving police officers, arguing that rising living costs had forced some personnel to withdraw part of their pension savings to provide for their families.

The former vice president made the remarks in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.

He criticised the Federal Government’s handling of police welfare, particularly the delay in addressing the Police Exit Bill, which he said was submitted to President Tinubu in March.

According to Atiku, retired police officers who spent decades serving the country should not be left struggling to afford basic necessities after retirement.

He cited the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly receives a monthly pension of ₦29,000, questioning how such an amount could sustain a retiree amid the rising cost of food, transportation and medicine.

Atiku also recounted the experience of a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police who allegedly resorted to begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja after searching unsuccessfully for work to support herself.

He said one of his media managers discovered the former officer begging and brought the situation to his attention, prompting an intervention.

However, Atiku maintained that individual interventions could not replace a comprehensive welfare system that guarantees retired officers financial security and access to healthcare.

He further alleged that some retired officers had died in difficult circumstances, while others were forced to gather firewood for sale to afford food.

The ADC presidential hopeful also expressed concern that some serving police officers had withdrawn 25 per cent of their pension savings to meet their families’ immediate needs.

He argued that the situation was unacceptable for personnel expected to confront armed criminals and protect citizens while struggling to provide for their households.

Atiku Demands Action on Police Exit Bill

Atiku questioned the delay in acting on the Police Exit Bill, arguing that the President should clarify its status and explain the steps taken since it was submitted.

He invoked Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides a framework for presidential assent to bills, and called on the National Assembly to publish the bill’s formal status and demand an explanation for the delay.

He also urged lawmakers to determine the constitutional steps available to resolve the matter, including holding an open vote if required.

“These officers enforced Nigeria’s laws for decades. They should not have to beg outside the legislature for its members to act,” Atiku said.

Police Dignity Guarantee Plan

Atiku promised that, if elected in May 2027, his administration would introduce a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan aimed at improving the welfare of serving and retired police personnel.

Under the proposed plan, he said his government would audit and settle verified pension arrears and gratuity claims according to published payment schedules.

He also pledged to establish a minimum pension level that would be reviewed in line with changes in the cost of living.

The plan, according to Atiku, would include insured healthcare for serving and retired officers, treatment for personnel injured in the line of duty, and timely support for families of officers killed while serving the country.

He further promised that retired officers who were too ill to travel for verification would be verified at home to prevent illness from becoming an obstacle to receiving their entitlements.

On the welfare of serving personnel, Atiku said his administration would review police salaries to enable officers to meet their families’ needs without depleting their pension savings.

He added that every officer would receive a clear record of pension contributions and entitlements before retirement, alongside a designated contact for resolving disputes and a reliable payment schedule.

Atiku also pledged to provide budgetary provisions for the proposed guarantee and publish information on payments made under the programme.

“Police officers have given Nigeria their strength and their years. Those who protect this country must be able to protect their families. And when their service ends, Nigeria must keep its word to them,” he said.