Akpabio assures police retirees of exit from contributory pension scheme

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has assured retired police officers that their agitation for removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) would soon be resolved, declaring that “their problem is over.”

The retirees, who have been keeping vigil at the entrance of the National Assembly, were received in his office, where he pledged swift legislative action to address their concerns.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, on Thursday quoted Akpabio as telling the delegation that the policy placing police officers under the CPS “was not well thought out,” based on the concerns they presented.

“But take it that you have to disperse from the gate, that problem as far as the law is concerned is over,” Akpabio assured.

“On Tuesday next week, we will concur with what the House of Representatives have done and produce an Act exiting you from the Scheme. I know that President Bola Tinubu, being a listening President, would sign it into law. The Scheme is certainly not good for the security personnel.”

The Senate President also questioned why the Nigeria Police remained under the contributory scheme when other security outfits had been exempted, saying, “If the Military, DSS, NIA and others had exited, I see no reason why the Police should remain while those in the echelon of the service are out of it.

“You all fought insecurity together. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander. We will ensure that the Scheme is same from the IG to the last Constable.”

Akpabio, who criticised Nigeria’s approach to policy adoption, added: “Sometimes our country is fantastic in copying policies and not thinking out the implications if implemented, and if that was done, many of you wouldn’t have died. We always compare oranges with apples.”

Earlier, leader of the retirees, CSP Mannir Lawal Zaria, expressed appreciation to the Senate President for granting them audience and said they were optimistic that the Senate would address their plight “with dispatch.”

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a vote of thanks, commended Akpabio for his immediate commitment to the concerns raised by the retired officers.